READI 2.0 fueling Simtra BioPharma expansion in the Indiana Uplands

New 150,000-square-foot facility in Bloomington to double Simtra’s manufacturing capabilities and add more than 130 high-wage jobs

The Indiana Uplands READI Steering Committee, Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI), and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation announced today the allocation of READI 2.0 funding to support the expansion of Simtra BioPharma Solutions in Bloomington, Indiana.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb established the now $1.25 billion Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) program in 2021, and it has since been nationally recognized for its success. READI 2.0, which was part of the governor’s 2023 Next Level Agenda and approved by the Indiana General Assembly, allocates another $500 million to regions across the state to accelerate shovel-ready projects and programs that are expected to transform Indiana communities, attract talent, and improve quality of life for Hoosiers in the short and long term. READI 2.0 funding allocations were awarded in April to 15 regions representing all 92 Indiana counties.

“Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem is innovating and developing the future of care thanks to the commitment of companies like Simtra BioPharma,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg. “With additional support from READI 2.0, this expansion will fuel continued industry growth, creating new opportunities for innovation and talent and growing the quality of opportunity for Hoosiers in Bloomington and the surrounding Indiana Uplands region.”

Simtra BioPharma Solutions is investing $250 million (including a $500,000 READI 2.0 allocation) at its Bloomington sterile fill/finish manufacturing campus. The new 150,000-square-foot facility will expand the company’s manufacturing capabilities with suites for high-speed filling of syringes and vials, each with dedicated formulation/compounding rooms. READI 2.0 funds are supporting public sewer infrastructure upgrades to support the expansion.

“Receiving READI 2.0 funding is a meaningful recognition of Simtra BioPharma Solutions’ deep commitment to Bloomington and Monroe County,” said Ray Guidotti, Chief Operating Officer, Simtra BioPharma Solutions. “This support not only strengthens our partnership with the region but also helps us expand our capacity to deliver life-saving injectable products to patients who need them most. Our growth represents an investment in innovation, economic opportunity and the well-being of both our community and the patients we are dedicated to serving.”  

Simtra broke ground on the facility this past June, and construction is scheduled to continue through late 2026. When complete, the upgraded Simtra campus in Bloomington will include the new 150,000-square-foot facility on the existing 600,000-square-foot manufacturing site, two warehouses, and a 120,000-square-foot inspection and packaging facility. Employing over 1,200 people today, the expanded Bloomington campus is expected to add more than 130 new, highly-skilled permanent positions with competitive salaries averaging $72,000/year.

According to the 2022 Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and TEConomy Partners’ biennial survey of the U.S. life sciences industry, Bloomington is the number 1 small metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the Medical Devices and Equipment category for specialized employment concentration and ranks 17th nationally among all MSAs for overall employment counts. Bloomington is also the #2 small MSA in the Pharmaceuticals category for specialized employment concentration and ranks 25th nationally among all MSAs for overall employment counts.

“Drawing on workforce throughout the Uplands region, Simtra’s economic impact reaches well beyond the Bloomington community, making it ideal for investment from the Indiana Uplands’ READI 2.0 funds,” said ROI President and CEO Tina Peterson. “In addition to strengthening Indiana’s life sciences capabilities and specialization, Simtra’s expansion is making the Uplands region an even more attractive place for top talent to begin, relocate, and continue their careers.”

Bloomington is part of the 10-county Indiana Uplands READI region. ROI and a regional steering committee manage $60 million in READI 1.0 and 2.0 matching funds awarded to the Uplands to grow the region’s capacity as a national hub for innovation; develop and attract in-demand talent; advance housing, infrastructure, and place-based assets; and enhance the region’s unique cultural, artistic, physical and livable amenities. For more information and announcements on Indiana Uplands READI projects, please visit: https://regionalopportunityinc.org/readi/

Across the state, $487 million in READI 1.0 funds have been awarded to 353 unique projects and programs, yielding $12.6 billion invested (26:1 investment leverage ratio) in quality of life, quality of place, and quality of opportunity initiatives. READI 2.0, which secured additional funding awarded by the Lilly Endowment Inc., is allocating another $750 million to accelerate community development investments statewide. This funding is expected to attract a minimum 4:1 match of local public and private funding, yielding at least $3 billion invested to increase the vibrancy and prosperity of Hoosier communities. Learn more at IndianaREADI.com. ​