Area Development
Aphena Pharma Solutions, a service provider in the pharmaceutical, medical device and biologics industries, will invest $21 million to expand, renovate and retrofit its operations in Cookeville, Tennessee. The project is expected to create 160 new jobs over the next five years.

The 500,000-square-foot renovated facility will allow Aphena to consolidate two of its three Putnam County locations while accommodating future growth areas in biologic packaging, cold chain storage, and 3PL distribution services.

“Aphena is thrilled to be expanding our operations and service offerings in Putnam County and the great state of Tennessee. We are a dedicated cGMP manufacturing and packaging company serving the world’s leading healthcare manufacturers. Our centralized location is ideal for national distribution, and our company will service our customers with the highest level of expertise and care,” Shawn Reilley, CEO of Aphena Pharma Solutions said.

“We strive to create a business-friendly environment that ensures the growth and success of existing Tennessee companies. We’re grateful for Aphena Pharma Solutions’ ongoing commitment to Tennessee and the additional 160 jobs that will be created in Putnam County as a result of this project,” said Governor Bill Lee.

“Tennessee’s healthcare industry has seen a 15 percent growth in employment over the past five years, which would not be possible without the many successful companies that choose to operate in our state. We thank Aphena Pharma Solutions’ for its commitment to create more than 150 new family wage jobs in Upper Cumberland,” noted Bob Rolfe, Commissioner of TNECD.

Aphena Pharma Solutions is a leading pharma service provider specializing in contract packaging and manufacturing for the pharmaceutical, over-the-counter, and medical device industries. Headquartered in Cookeville since 2002, Aphena employs more than 400 people in Putnam County.

“The expansion of Aphena Pharma Solutions in a time of such uncertainty shows the faith they have in Putnam County as a sound investment. There is a strong history between this company and our community, and we look forward to the impact we will continue to see, as a result of Aphena Pharma being in Putnam County. This announcement showcases our community’s resilience, as we recover from the tornado disaster of March 3 and the effects of the pandemic. I’m very proud of our team and all the hard work involved to make this day possible,” said Randy Porter, Putnam County Mayor.