Upsher-Smith Forges Partnership with Hennepin Technical College
Collaboration Supported by DEED Grant Supports Customized Workforce Training Program
Maple Grove, MN – May 22, 2024 – Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC (Upsher-Smith) today announced a significant collaboration with Hennepin Technical College aimed at advancing workforce development in the pharmaceutical industry. This initiative has been made possible through a $226,729 grant awarded by the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP), a division of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
This collaboration is part of a larger DEED initiative, which has allocated more than $2.9 million in grants to Minnesota colleges and universities for employer workforce development projects. More than 4,000 workers are expected to be trained by grantees through these programs. It exemplifies the joint commitment of MJSP, DEED, and Upsher-Smith Laboratories to equip Minnesota’s workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s economy.
“Upsher-Smith is excited to partner with Hennepin Technical College on this innovative initiative, which underscores our dedication to investing in the development of our valued employees and advancing the pharmaceutical industry in Minnesota,” said Rich Fisher, President and COO of Upsher-Smith. “We are also grateful to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for its generous grant which has made this collaboration possible and for its continued commitment to workforce development in the state.”
The grant will be utilized to provide intensive training to more than 90 production employees at Upsher-Smith Laboratories. These training programs will focus on mastering new automated equipment and robotics, equipping employees with cutting-edge skills essential for optimizing operational efficiency.
As part of the collaboration, cohorts will be initiated for the college class CMAE 1535, offered by Hennepin Technical College. This course will provide students with collegiate credit and the opportunity to earn their Certified Manufacturing Associate Certificate. Tailored specifically for the pharmaceutical industry, the 11-week, two-credit manufacturing associate course will be conducted on-site at Upsher-Smith’s facility in Maple Grove.
In addition to technical training, Upsher-Smith is committed to enhancing language proficiency among its workforce. The company will provide intermediate and advanced levels of occupational English training for 25 employees who speak English as a second or third language, ensuring effective communication across all levels of operations.
Upsher-Smith is a US-based pharmaceutical company focused on specialty brands and generics. Last year, Upsher-Smith opened a new, 270,000-square-foot state-of-the-art, greenfield manufacturing facility in Maple Grove, Minnesota known as Plant C. The new facility will offer fully up-to-date packaging and serialization capabilities and will support contract manufacturing for third parties.
For more information about Upsher-Smith Laboratories and to learn more about career opportunities, visit https://www.upsher-smith.com/careers/.
About Upsher-Smith
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, LLC, now a member of Bora Group, is a trusted U.S. pharmaceutical company that strives to improve the health and lives of patients through an unwavering commitment to high-quality products and sustainable growth. The company brings brands and generics to a wide array of customers, always backed by its attentive level of service, strong industry relationships, and dedication to uninterrupted product supply. For more information, visit www.upsher-smith.com.
About Bora
Founded in 2007, Bora Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (“Bora” or “the Company”, 6472.TW) now is the largest pharmaceutical manufacturer in Taiwan with well-connected global distribution to supply more than 100 countries around the world. Headquartered in Taiwan, Bora has dedicated itself to becoming a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing by offering its clients the best quality, efficiency and reliability. For more information, visit https://bora-corp.com/.
About DEED
DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about how DEED delivers for Minnesota, visit the DEED website, the JoinUsMn.com website, or follow us on X. You can view resources to help Minnesotans prepare for and find employment now, including thousands of open positions throughout Minnesota, at CareerForceMN.com.
About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Technical College is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.