Governor Jan Brewer Welcomes Ventana Medical Systems Expansion, 500 Jobs

PHOENIX, AZ (October 13, 2010) — Following yesterday’s historic solar economic development and jobs announcement with Sempra Generation in Arlington, Arizona, a leader in cancer diagnostics is significantly expanding its presence in Arizona. Governor Jan Brewer announced Ventana Medical Systems Inc., a member of the Roche Group based in Oro Valley, will be adding up to 500 jobs as it advances its personalized healthcare solutions for cancer patients around the world.

“Modern medical research is dedicated to improving the lives of all patients afflicted with cancer, and the people of Ventana continue to discover, develop, and deliver medical diagnostic systems that are shaping the future of healthcare – and it’s happening right here in Arizona,” said Governor Brewer. “Our state is a national and global leader in this important industry, with opportunities for promising new jobs for Arizonans.”

The expansion, to take place over five years with new buildings and capital investment of approximately $180 million, will increase Ventana’s over 900-member Arizona workforce by up to 50 percent. Ventana has been present in Tucson, Arizona for over 25 years, starting in a garage belonging to visionary University of Arizona professor and Pathologist, Dr. Thomas Grogan. Today, the company has developed into the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of automated tissue-based diagnostic systems and tests focused on the detection of cancer.

“I am delighted to join the Governor in announcing this major expansion of our company right here where it all started in Pima County,” said Hany Massarany, President of Ventana Medical Systems. “On behalf of everyone at Ventana and Roche, I would like to thank the state and local supporters for helping our company grow and prosper here, and for their commitment to developing Southern Arizona into one of the premiere bioscience regions in the United States.”

Massarany thanked Governor Brewer, the Arizona Commerce Authority, Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities (TREO), Pima County and the Town of Oro Valley for their strong support and pro-active involvement in helping the company make Arizona its choice for expansion.

“This decision by Ventana Medical Systems, a member of the Roche Group, to expand their US headquarters in Oro Valley is a testament to the strong relationship Oro Valley has shared with the company for many years,” said Oro Valley Mayor Satish Hiremath. “The bioscience industry is a key target growth area for Oro Valley’s economic development efforts, and to have Ventana lead the way is an honor. We congratulate all of the organizations that came together in the spirit of collaboration. We thank our state, regional and local public sector partners for realizing the possibilities that this company brings to all Arizonans.”

“This announcement is a huge boost to the job market for all of Pima County, and demonstrates the success of Pima County’s public-private partnership with TREO,” said Supervisor Sharon Bronson, Vice-Chairman of the Pima County Board of Supervisors and Co-Chair of the Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities (TREO) Board. “This is a great addition to Pima County’s bioscience sector, and I congratulate Ventana on their expansion. I thank every one who worked to make this possible.”

“This is wonderful news for our region and I couldn’t be more excited,” said Pima County Supervisor Ann Day. “A prestigious bioscience firm like Ventana Medical Systems is exactly the kind of company we want to see expanding at beautiful Innovation Park. It has tremendous significance for Oro Valley, Pima County and all of Arizona.

Ventana’s continuing success helps solidify our region as a leader in bioscience and provides our workforce with the type of high-tech, high-wage jobs we need to be attracting.”

Ventana is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. For more information on Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. please visit www.ventanamed.com.

Media Contact

Nicole McTheny, Arizona Commerce Authority, (602) 845-1231, [email protected]

About the Arizona Commerce Authority

The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create – attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on Twitter at @azcommerce.