Genentech’s biomanufacturing facility
City of Vacaville officials say they have started the next-generation development of its biomanufacturing cluster by announcing plans to expand it on approximately 300 acres adjacent to existing facilities and to name the entire zone the California Biomanufacturing Center.
At the same time, the city announced the creation of the California Biomanufacturing Center, Inc., a nonprofit that will work to accelerate the growth of the sector in Vacaville by working with industry and academic partners.
Vacaville Mayor Ron Rowlett pointed to the establishment of the California Biomanufacturing Center as a reflection of the city’s commitment to the sector and said it will help to guide the continuing growth of the industry in Vacaville.
The city expects that this expansion will lead to more than $2 billion in industrial development, 3.5 million square feet of commercial real estate, and the addition of 10,000 jobs with a payroll of more than $1 billion a year.
Also, The California Biomanufacturing Center, Inc. and Solano Community College signed a memorandum of understanding to guide ongoing collaboration between the two. To support future development of the city’s biomanufacturing cluster, the new nonprofit will work with industry and its partner Solano Community College to address the workforce training needs of local industry and workforce development opportunities. Solano Community College has offered a Bachelor of Science degree in biomanufacturing since August 2017.
“Building on the college’s existing program, our collaboration with the city, and our partnership with the California Biomanufacturing Center, we will not only help meet the workforce demands of biomanufacturers today, but well into the future,” Celia Esposito-Noy, superintendent/president, Solano Community College District. “Our program was the first program of its kind to teach students the skills and knowledge required to enter biomanufacturing jobs and has served as a model for producing graduates with ready expertise to meet the strenuous demands of industry.”
