Novartis to Ramp Up Pharmaceutical Production in U.S.

SUFFERN, New York (September 8, 2005) - Novartis, a pharmaceutical company located in Rockland County, will add 100 new jobs over the next three years to its current workforce. The company will invest significant funds to expand its operations and purchase new equipment for production in New York State.

"Novartis's decision to ramp up pharmaceutical drug production at their Rockland County facility is a true measure of this company's commitment to the area and the hard-working families of this region," said Empire State Development Chairman Charles A. Gargano. "New York State's talented labor, accessibility to customers and reasonable operating costs enable this State to win these important jobs for our citizens. We will continue to work hard everyday to provide the best climate for businesses to prosper and create new jobs. Moving forward with the Governor's pro-job and pro-growth policies is essential for companies looking to grow in our great State."

Novartis, located in the Villages of Ramapo and Montebello, opened this newest facility in 1997 with an investment of $165 million. The parent company is Novartis AG of Switzerland.

"Novartis and its predecessor companies has been proud to be a part of the Suffern community for the last 40 years, and we can continue to depend upon the people of Rockland County for their hard work and dedication," said Rick Priest, Vice President, U.S. Operations, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. "Governor Pataki and Empire State Development are great allies in addressing some of America's - and the world's - most pressing health issues."

Novartis is a world leader in the research and development of products to protect and improve health and well-being. Novartis was created in 1996 from the merger of the Swiss companies, Ciba-Geigy and Sandoz. The Company's core businesses are in pharmaceuticals, consumer health, generics, eye-care, and animal health.

Rockland County Executive C. Scott Vanderhoef said the Novartis expansion was a boon to Rockland's economic development. "We're proud of our neighbor Novartis for securing such a significant contract. This partnership is another Rockland County success story," Vanderhoef said. "These new jobs will enhance our strong economy and vibrant job market. We're proud to host a company like Novartis that helps identify us as a place where businesses come to thrive."

Ramapo Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence praised Governor Pataki, Senator Morahan and Empire State Development Corporation. "The partnership of State, County, Town and Empire State Development, which kept Avon and 354 jobs in Ramapo, will once again secure the future of our Town with new jobs and additional investment at Novartis," St. Lawrence said.

"Novartis exemplifies the kind of companies that are thriving in the Hudson Valley and bringing more high-paying jobs to the region. It is a testament to the Hudson Valley's competitiveness as a business location that the Suffern facility was selected for this expansion above all the company's other factories around the world," said Anthony Campagiorni, President and CEO of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp.

In consideration of this company's commitment to New York State, Novartis is eligible to apply to Empire State Development for a $1.1 million capital grant to offset equipment purchases and make the production process more competitive.