CSL Plasma announces major lab expansion in Knoxville
(EDITOR’S NOTE: The following release was provided by Life Science Tennessee.)
Knoxville, TN — Life Science Tennessee was pleased to host an event for members this morning at the plasma testing laboratory of CSL Plasma in West Knox County. The event was attended by Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and members of the Tennessee General Assembly to announce the expansion of CSL Plasma in Knox County.
In addition to Mayor Burchett, Life Science Tennessee was joined by State Senator Becky Duncan Massey, State Senator Stacey Campfield, State Representative Steve Hall, State Representative Bill Dunn and members to congratulate CSL on their announced expansion of their plasma testing laboratory in West Knox County off Dutchtown Road.
The 35,000 square foot facility, scheduled for completion in 2014, will nearly double the size of the facility which processes more than 1.2 million medical tests on the plasma samples it receives each week from the company’s collection centers across the U.S.
“I’m thrilled to be a part of this expansion announcement,” said Burchett. “Knoxville is a great place to live, raise a family and certainly a great place for high-skilled jobs, and we look forward to bringing more here.”
The expansion will require CSL to increase staff, anticipating a need for 60 licensed medical laboratory technologists over the next five years. A two-year associate degree is the minimum requirement to obtain a medical laboratory technologist license. Filling the positions will be a challenge given the shortage in the state, region and nation. These are good paying jobs and the demand is high because they are needed by hospitals, physician offices and other medical laboratories.
Roane State Community College recently announced the addition of a medical laboratory technology program to be housed in its new Allied Health Sciences Building in Oak Ridge, set for completion in 2014.
“Knoxville is a great place to work and the Knoxville Chamber is thrilled to see this expansion, in the very well-paying advanced technology arena, which is one of our target business recruitment sectors of our Innovation Valley efforts, bringing more high-tech jobs to our region,” said Doug Lawyer, vice president of economic development at the Knoxville Chamber.
About Life Science Tennessee
Life Science Tennessee is a statewide, non-profit, member organization whose mission is to advance and grow the life science industry in Tennessee through advocacy, partnerships and alignment with economic and workforce development.
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