SiO2 Medical Products, a manufacturing firm that supplies the medical and biological drugs industry with a variety of products, will invest $90 million in a new Auburn, Alabama facility, expected to create 300 jobs in Lee County.

"Our research team developed the processes and the products for SiO2 Medical Products, and everyone in our organization can be extremely proud of this achievement," Dr. Robert Pangborn, SiO2's director of research and development for medical products said. "The team effort between the Retirement System of Alabama, the state and city, was instrumental in realizing the project here in Auburn.

While details were not immediately available, the state employee pension fund's financial incentives are viewed as instrumental in permitting SiO2 new facility to come to fruition, said Auburn Mayor Bill Ham

"The RSA has worked on this project for two years, and the financing closed last week," said Dr. David Bronner, the state pension fund's CEO. "We are very excited about the opportunity to partner with SiO2 Medical Products' Chairman Bobby Abrams, Auburn Mayor Bill Ham, Auburn Economic Development Director Phillip Dunlap, Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard, and Governor Robert Bentley to expand the plant in Auburn."

"The Company will revolutionize the delivery of certain medicines to patients on a global scale," Dr. Bronner added. "The patented product represents a major breakthrough in healthcare. This project is one that will be recognized worldwide as the type of company Alabama needs to continue to recruit with its high-paying and stable jobs."

"An essential part of creating new jobs is encouraging our existing companies to further their investments in this state," Gov. Robert Bentley said. "SiO2 Medical Products is creating new opportunities in the form of additional well-paying jobs, and we appreciate their continued commitment to Alabama. We offer a highly-skilled workforce with an excellent work ethic. We look forward to even more announcements from SiO2 in the future."