This week, Owens & Minor (a Fortune 500 Medical Logistics Company) broke ground in Morgantown on the future site of a center of excellence for medical supplies and logistics. Once construction is completed in late 2023, the 350,000 square foot center will be one of the state’s largest dedicated acute care medical distribution facilities and will include clinical supply capabilities for surgical kitting, custom procedure tray assembly and sterilization.

 

Owens & Minor was joined for the groundbreaking by its local partner, West Virginia University Health System, which operates under the brand name WVU Medicine.

 

“We are excited for our partnership with Owens & Minor to take shape as we work to strengthen the resiliency of our healthcare system,” said Albert L. Wright, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, WVU Health System. “Our collaboration with Owens & Minor is instrumental in ensuring that we can deliver on that commitment for our clinicians and the communities we serve.”

 

The partnership, which represents an estimated $50 million investment in West Virginia and is anticipated to bring more than 100 jobs to the state, was first announced in December 2021. It was subsequently expanded in January 2022 to give the state of West Virginia the ability to rapidly leverage Owens & Minor’s logistics expertise and medical supply and distribution capabilities in response to future public health emergencies.

 

“Today’s groundbreaking represents the best of what West Virginia has to offer—our state’s largest health system and private employer working with an industry-leading Fortune 500 company to create a partnership that will have tangible impact for our state,” commented Gov. Jim Justice. “I applaud WVU Medicine and Owens & Minor and look forward to seeing even more of what this partnership brings to West Virginia.”

 

“Since day one, we’ve been inspired by the enthusiasm and passion both WVU Medicine and West Virginia have shown in making this center of excellence a reality,” said Edward A. Pesicka, President and Chief Executive Officer, Owens & Minor. “We’re eager to advance our collaboration and to put our 140-years of supply chain expertise to work in supporting one of West Virginia’s leading healthcare systems for years to come.”

 

Construction of the facility is expected to be completed in 2023.