BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a global medical technology company, was joined today by Gov. Pete Ricketts and other state and local leaders to announce a $200 million investment in its facilities in Nebraska that will create 300 new jobs statewide.
 
Today's announcement brings BD's commitment to invest more than $340 million in its Nebraska facilities in the past two years alone. In addition to the new investments in Columbus, BD invested $100 million in 2016 in its Holdrege facility and over $40 million in equipment, facility upgrades and infrastructure improvements in the company's manufacturing facility in Broken Bow, where BD actively participates in Gov. Rickett's Nebraska Developing Youth Talent Initiative (DYTI), which connects young Nebraskans to careers in the manufacturing and technology sectors.
 
"BD has been a part of growing Nebraska since 1949, and today marks yet another historic milestone for the company and its commitment to our state," said Gov. Ricketts. "With more than 300 diverse job openings across BD facilities in Columbus, Holdrege and Broken Bow, there are many tremendous career opportunities for Nebraska's skilled workforce. This is an exciting day for the State of Nebraska and we are grateful to BD for their continued investment as they advance the world of health."
 
Nebraska has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country and to achieve this significant hiring goal, programming support and partnership by the state will focus on continued housing development, workforce training and recruitment efforts heavily focused on the Veterans community and transitioning service members, ripe with engineering backgrounds. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development is poised to lead cross-agency collaboration with the Nebraska Department of Labor, the Nebraska Department of Veterans Affairs, the Nebraska National Guard as well as local and regional education partners to create a unique pipeline of skilled workers who often require a 2-year advanced degree. In addition, the Nebraska Department of Transportation is supporting the company through upgrades of the transportation infrastructure around its facilities.
 
At the ceremony, state and company officials signed an official commitment letter for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The letter of support signifies that BD will actively recruit veterans for the open positions, and it also recognizes the company's commitment to protect the jobs of troops in the Reserves and National Guard when they are called to duty to serve the country.
 
"The ongoing public-private partnership between BD and the State of Nebraska has been extraordinary and is a testament to the rapid expansion across BD's footprint in Nebraska," said Jim Borzi, executive vice president and chief supply chain officer of BD. "The talented and dedicated people of Nebraska, who have made it possible for BD manufacturing operations to thrive for nearly 70 years, are to credit for allowing us to continue to expand and create new and diverse job opportunities. The 300 additional jobs created from today's investment will drive BD employment across the state to more than 3,000 people and I encourage everyone to help spread the word and come join our growing team."