Bond cuts ribbon at Express Scripts' new Technology and Innovation Center in St. Louis
Office of Senator Kit Bond
June 3, 2010
St. Louis, Mo. -U.S. Senator Kit Bond, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, members of the Missouri congressional delegation, and other government, community and business leaders today took part in the grand opening of Express Scripts' new Technology and Innovation Center in St. Louis.
"This new facility builds on Express Scripts commitment to the St. Louis region," Bond said. "The new Technology and Innovation Center will bring hundreds of jobs to Missouri and that is best news we can get during these tough economic times."
Bond stressed that this new facility could not come at a better time for Missouri workers. This new, state-of-the-art facility will bring hundreds of jobs to Missouri - from core labor to those requiring advanced degrees in pharmacy and technology. These new jobs are in addition to the 4,000 jobs already supported by Express Scripts corporate headquarters in St. Louis, building on the company's strong commitment to the people of St. Louis and the region.
In addition to bringing new jobs to the region, Bond stressed this new center represents a major leap in innovation and efficiency. The Center will also house a pharmacy automation center with the ability to dispense 500,000 pills per hour and package and ship up to 110,000 prescriptions daily. As a result, consumers will see lower health care costs, speedier delivery of medications and fewer errors.
While speaking at today's ceremony, Bond also pointed out that Express Scripts commitment to making prescription drugs safer and more affordable has earned the company a reputation as an innovative pioneer in the prescription drug industry. Founded in 1986 and never owned by a drug manufacturer, Express Scripts strives to maintain a legacy of independence to ensure the company's programs and research benefit its clients and customers. As Express Scripts works to understand current drug trends, improve health outcomes for clients and patients, and make prescription drugs more affordable, the company is expanding and creating new jobs at time when many others are downsizing or remaining stagnant.
Throughout his career Bond has remained a strong advocate for the positive results that are achieved when public and private sector leaders work together to create the conditions for economic growth. This partnership is particularly important as St. Louis' and America's economies continue to struggle and the nation's unemployment rate hovers just under 10 percent. In his remarks today, the Senator thanked Express Scripts officials, Governor Nixon and County Executive Dooley for their willingness to work together to bring jobs, growth, and continued development to the St. Louis region.
"Your hard work helped to make St. Louis and easy decision for Express Scripts," Bond said. "We are extremely proud to have this world-class company - known for its leadership and excellence within its industry - call St. Louis home"
# # #
