Glenmark Pharmaceuticals has made a generous $1.3 million donation in support of South Piedmont Community College’s new Aseptic Training Facility.
The donation from Glenmark Pharmaceuticals includes equipment and supplies that will be used in the new facility. Representatives from Glenmark presented the donation to South Piedmont on Sept. 9.
The forthcoming Aseptic Training Facility will measure 21,000 square feet and will feature HyFlex classrooms, a micro lab, a QC lab, an autoclave, a process utility space, PALs and MALs, locker rooms, office and touchdown spaces, and a state-of-the-art ballroom. Construction on the building will start soon. The building is expected to open in 2026 on the Old Charlotte Highway Campus in Monroe.
Glenmark’s investment in the Aseptic Training Facility is not only a commitment to being a good corporate neighbor but also a strategic effort to support workforce development in Monroe and Union County. The Facility will serve as a vital resource for both Glenmark employees and students, offering hands-on training and certification in aseptic processing, thereby enhancing career opportunities and supporting the growing needs of the pharmaceutical industry.
We spoke with the representatives of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals about this collaborative effort, and they provided insight into how the Aseptic Training Facility will be utilized.
How much is Glenmark Pharmaceuticals donating to South Piedmont Community College and how will be funding be used?
Glenmark is donating $1.3 million of packaging materials and components. These are for use in the new Aseptic Training Facility. In 2019, Glenmark worked with our local legislative delegation to secure funds for building the facility.
What motivated Glenmark Pharmaceuticals to invest in South Piedmont Community College and specifically the Aseptic Training Facility?
Glenmark is dedicated to being a good corporate neighbor to our community. By supporting the schools, we can contribute to the overall economic development of Monroe and Union County. The Aseptic Training Facility will be a direct benefit to Glenmark as a resource for ongoing training for our employees. The Facility will also benefit the many students who take advantage of the training programs that will be offered there. Having an Aseptic Processing Certification will greatly broaden their employment opportunities.
How do you envision this facility impacting both the local community and the pharmaceutical industry in terms of workforce development?
The community will benefit by having another excellent training program at South Piedmont. Students that obtain aseptic certification will have enhanced skillsets that will offer the potential for more opportunity and higher wages. The pharmaceutical industry benefits by having a higher number of qualified candidates for an ever-increasing number of roles. Industry will also benefit by having an excellent training facility for the certification of new employees and ongoing training for existing employees. Industry best practices continue to evolve as technology advances and new process challenges arise. Having a facility to ensure the ongoing training needs are met is a huge benefit.
Can you elaborate on the role Glenmark will play in the development and ongoing support of the Aseptic Training Facility?
Glenmark has been involved since the inception of the facility. From assisting with the funding, to facility design and curricula development. The donation of materials is just one more step in what we see as a long-term commitment and partnership with the college.
What are some key skills and competencies Glenmark hopes to see graduates from this program gain to meet industry demands?
Number one is a fundamental knowledge and understanding of contamination control in the manufacturing facility. This will require a foundational understanding of microbiology, facility hygiene, cleaning and disinfection, sterilization, personnel and material flow, aseptic gowning, and aseptic techniques and behavior. The most important thing we can achieve with this facility is a hands-on practical education. We can teach the theory and then teach the practical application of the knowledge.
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Note: After this story was written, Glenmark agreed to donate another $408,752 in supplies and equipment to the College.
We are incredibly thankful for this donation by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, and we are very excited to move forward with the building process of the Aseptic Training Facility!