Anderson Packaging has received a workforce training grant from Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich as part of the Opportunity Returns program totaling $283,500. The Opportunity Returns program is a State of Illinois funded economic development strategy designed to spur economic growth through employee development. Companies such as Anderson showing a commitment to training and skills improvement can be reimbursed up to 50% of their associated personnel development costs through the Opportunity Returns program.

Anderson features a comprehensive training program focused on developing a skilled workforce for the pharmaceutical and healthcare contract packaging marketplace. Programs have included safety, cGMP compliance, technology and computer training, continuous improvement, and leadership skills development. Skill enhancement programs at Anderson involve over 1,400 employees throughout its 7 plants in the Rockford, Illinois area. In the year 2004, Anderson performed over 30,000 hours of employee training.

“The nature of Pharmaceutical packaging really requires a steadfast commitment to developing the best employees. We are grateful for the Governor’s training grant award and feel it validates our efforts at Anderson to develop a strong skill base in our workforce. Our customers come to Anderson with a need for the highest quality packaging service and we feel that our commitment to quality starts with well trained employees” said Vicky Brown, PhD, Director of Training at Anderson.

Anderson Packaging, a wholly owned subsidiary of the AmerisourceBergen Corporation, is one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical contract packagers in the United States. With extensive experience in new-product launches and process startup, Anderson offers specialized services such as package development, including design of child-resistant and patient compliance prompting features, as well as process development, including in-house tooling design and manufacture. Anderson also maintains one of the most progressive process, facilities and validation programs in the contract packaging industry, while maintaining a record of superior quality and service.

For additional information regarding Anderson’s Workforce Training Grant award, please contact Justin Schroeder, Marketing Manager, JSchroeder@andpkg.com, (815) 484-8900.