Page 16 - Chester County Chamber - 2019 Guide and Business Directory

HEALTHCARE
CHESTER COUNTY CHAMBER
Staying Well Is Easy Here
Chester County boasts a thriving pharma industry, top-rated hospitals and wellness programs
Chester County is the healthiest county in Pennsylvania. The 2018 County Health Rankings compiled by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute named the county tops among the Commonwealth’s 67 counties. The county’s high education and income levels undoubtedly contribute to this wellness ranking, while the concentration of thriving healthcare businesses, high- quality hospitals and care centers also make for a healthy environment.
The county is home to several high- profile healthcare companies:
Genesis HealthCare, which operates
500 skilled nursing, rehabilitation and senior living facilities in 34 states, has its headquarters in Kennett Square, where
it began in 1985 in a former dry goods and furniture store. Today, there are three offices employing 600 people.
Genesis also operates three facilities in
the county — Highgate at Paoli Point, Brandywine Hall in West Chester and PowerBack Rehabilitation in Phoenixville. Its newest stake in the county is a PowerBack Rehabilitation Center under construction in Exton. This new center, employing about 250 staff members,
will feature 120 private suites, a gym, spa services, a movie theater and seven-day rehabilitation sessions.
“Genesis already has five PowerBacks in the Philadelphia area but is excited to bring this flagship product to Chester County,” said James Tabak, senior vice president of administration and government affairs at Genesis HealthCare. “PowerBack’s goal is
to get patients back home as quickly and safely as possible.”
Another company with a large presence
in Chester County is Janssen Biotech, a pharmaceutical manufacturer in Malvern. The global firm, part of Johnson & Johnson, employs 1,200 people. Its primary product at the Malvern facility is the prescription drug, Remicade®. “It’s a major part of what goes on here. We provide the drug to patients in 120 countries. We never stop its production,” said Christopher Ewer, general manager of the facility. “There are a lot of good reasons to be here.” Chester County’s proximity to major metropolitan areas and
location in the suburbs make hiring easier and the talent pool larger. Also, with other Johnson & Johnson facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Malvern facility can “leverage talent, leverage suppliers and vendors,” he said.
The Malvern operation also includes
a research and development division and a cell banking center.
Endo International is a specialty pharmaceutical company that has its U.S. headquarters in Malvern. The Irish company began operations in 1997 by acquiring products, related rights and assets from The DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Company. Since then, Endo has grown steadily, with about 3,000 employees worldwide.
Company officials cite Chester County’s accommodating business climate, collaborative government, great schools and talent base as reasons why it’s an exceptional place to do business.
Independence Blue Cross serves more than 2.5 million people as the largest health insurance provider in the Greater Philadelphia area. The 80-year-old company provides medical coverage, administrative services and specialty programs in 25 states and the District of Columbia. Forbes named Independence Blue Cross as one of America’s best employers in 2018.
Genesis HealthCare - Chester County
Genesis PowerBack Rehabilitation Center - Exton
14 Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry