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Aphena Pharma Solutions will expand its Cookeville operations to the old Russel Stover factory on Chocolate Drive.
The expansion will create up to 160 jobs over five years. Aphena will invest $21 million to renovate the 500,000 square foot building. Two of the three Putnam Aphena locations will operate out of the facility once renovations are complete. Mayor Randy Porter said the investment shows the trust the company has in the county.
“There is a strong history between this company and our community, and we look forward to the impact we will continue to see, as a result of Aphena Pharma being in Putnam County,” Porter said. “This announcement showcases our community’s resilience, as we recover from the tornado disaster of March 3 and the effects of the pandemic.”
The added space will provide future growth in biologic packaging, cold chain storage and 3PL distribution services. Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton said the new jobs will strengthen the community.
“The company will take a building that has been underutilized and bring high-skilled, high-wage jobs that will help as we recover from what has been a challenging year,” Shelton said. “The City of Cookeville thanks Aphena Pharma Solutions for its commitment to our community and our citizens. We look forward to many years of celebrating this partnership.”
Aphena Pharma Solutions is a leading pharma service provider specializing in contract packaging and manufacturing for the pharmaceutical, over-the-counter and medical device industries. Headquartered in Cookeville since 2002, Aphena employs more than 400 people.
