Bayer announced Friday, Oct. 2, that it plans to build a $2.2 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at New Albany International Business Park, a project state officials say could create about 1,500 construction jobs and more than 600 permanent jobs. The facility will make compounds used in Bayer medicines, according to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. The company’s chief operating officer, Sebastian Guth, said Ohio was selected after Bayer considered sites in several states, citing the state’s workforce and life sciences network. The project is expected to open in two stages: the first portion in 2031 and a second phase in 2034. State officials say the Ohio Life Science Training Center, now under construction in New Albany, will help prepare workers for biomanufacturing jobs. JobsOhio is investing up to $30 million in the center, with another $8 million coming from the city, the state and The New Albany Company. DeWine said the project’s workforce needs could connect graduates from Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Dayton and other schools with jobs at Bayer and similar companies. Officials also hope the investment will draw more life sciences businesses to Ohio.