Biotech firm expands footprint in region with $10M investment

TAMPA — Amgen, a biotechnology company headquartered in Thousand Oaks, Calif., has expanded its global capability center in Tampa’s Westshore business district, signing a lease for an additional 33,101 square feet of office space. 

According to a press release, Amgen chose Tampa for the 130,000-square-foot center in 2017 after evaluating 270 communities across the United States for expansion. It plans to invest $10 million in the expanded facility, which will be used for additional meeting and collaboration space and to accommodate future growth. 

“We are excited to expand our presence in Tampa,” states Gwen Cummings, the center’s site lead, in the release. “The community has welcomed us with open arms since our arrival. The wealth of talent and the support of the business community and local academic institutions have allowed us the opportunity to build a world-class team.”  

Amgen and the Amgen Foundation, the release states, have also committed $12.5 million to support U.S. and global COVID-19 relief efforts. Some $300,000 will go to two Tampa Bay organizations, United Way Suncoast and the Hillsborough Education Foundation, to address local needs.

"Amgen's decision to invest and expand in Tampa demonstrates confidence in this community and our economic future," states Marie Chinnici-Everitt, chairwoman of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, in the release. "Amgen has woven itself into the fabric of our community since its arrival, supporting local nonprofit organizations and philanthropic initiatives. We congratulate them on their expansion and thank them for strengthening their commitment to Tampa."

Amgen reported gross revenue of $23.36 billion in 2019, down from $23.75 billion in 2018 — a decrease of 1.67%.