Quest Diagnostics Opens State-Of-The-Art National Operations Center In Tampa
June 18, 2014
Project will create up to 350 new jobs and $9.3 million in capital investment by 2015
TAMPA, Fla. / Today, Governor Rick Scott announced that Quest Diagnostics, the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, has opened a new facility in Tampa to enhance and extend customer services for health care clients and employees throughout the United States. The project will create $9.3 million in capital investment and up to 350 new customer service, logistics and human resources jobs by 2015.
Governor Scott said, “Quest Diagnostics’ investment in the Tampa Bay region is great news for Florida families. These 350 new jobs will mean more Floridians will be able to provide for their family and live the American Dream. We’ve worked hard to create opportunities for those in need of a job and since December 2010, Florida businesses have created more than 600,000 private-sector jobs. Let’s keep working to make Florida the best place to find a job.”
In Florida, Quest operates full-service clinical laboratories in Tampa, Miramar and Orlando, several dermatological pathology-focused labs and offices, and dozens of patient service centers across the state. The new 48,000 square-foot Tampa facility, located at 10411 University Center Drive, will house customer service and certain logistics functions for Quest’s U.S. operations, which includes about half of physicians and hospitals nationwide. It is one of two Quest Diagnostics National Operations Centers (NOCs), with the second in Lenexa, Kansas. The two centers were designed to standardize and employ advanced service and information-management technologies to promote fast customer response and quality enhancements for physicians and other health care providers.
The Tampa center features a state-of-the-art logistics monitoring hub that will track both air and ground operations for a nationwide logistics network that includes a fleet of aircraft and vehicles. The hub contains 18 control stations and a 250 square-foot digital display for viewing the entire nationwide network, and will be staffed 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week. The hub can monitor the transit of patient specimens in near real-time, from one of Quest’s 2,200 patient service centers and other patient locations in the U.S. to one of the company’s dozens of clinical laboratories for testing.
“With this new center, Quest deepens our commitment to physicians, patients and the local community in Tampa and all of Florida,” said James E. Davis, senior vice president, operations, Quest Diagnostics. “This new center will elevate Quest’s customer services to the next level of responsiveness and quality. It reflects our commitment to delivering a superior customer experience and providing diagnostic insights that will help people lead healthier lives.”
The Tampa site will also include a human resources shared services center that supports the company’s 45,000 employees.
“Tampa is a terrific community with a great pool of job applicants, and we look forward to building our presence here,” added Jeffrey S. Shuman, senior vice president and chief human resources officer, Quest Diagnostics. “As an employer of choice, Quest is committed to giving our 45,000 dedicated professionals the support and tools to excel at serving patients and health care providers. Our new human resources shared services center in Tampa is designed to do just that, by providing high-touch employee services that empower our people to contribute their individual talents to delivering a superior health care experience.”
Based in Madison, NJ, Quest Diagnostics operates clinical laboratories and other facilities across the U.S. The company’s services range from highly advanced genetic tests for cancer and rare disorders to routine cholesterol and diabetes screens. The company serves approximately 30 percent of American adults each year.
President and CEO of Enterprise Florida Gray Swoope said, “Florida’s life sciences industry is one of the best in the nation and as companies like Quest Diagnostics expand their presence in Florida, the sector will continue to grow and more businesses will look at the state as a vital location. Tampa has an impressive roster of life sciences companies, and Quest will add even more value to the region. I congratulate Quest for its growth in our state and look forward to its continued success.”
The project was made possible through strong partnerships between Enterprise Florida, the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, CareerSource Tampa Bay and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Department of Economic Opportunity Executive Director Jesse Panuccio said, “The expansion of Quest Diagnostics in Tampa is bringing new jobs to the area and is sure to contribute to an already thriving economic recovery in the region. Our state’s pro-growth, business-friendly environment has paved the way for many companies to move to or expand in Florida, providing new opportunities for Florida families. Today’s announcement is another successful chapter in Florida’s turnaround story.”
Quest Diagnostics joins a growing list of life sciences companies that have recently made the decision to expand in Tampa and Hillsborough County, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Covidien, HealthPlan Services, Synergy Health, Smart Science Labs, LifeLink, Biologics Development Services and Xcelience.
“We thank Quest Diagnostics for its commitment to our community, and look forward to supporting the company’s current and future growth in Hillsborough County. Our momentum continues to build, and with this announcement, we reinforce our role as a recognized leader in the life sciences industry,” said the Hon. Mark Sharpe, Chair of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.
“Very few companies have as great an impact on health care as Quest Diagnostics, and we’re excited that they have selected Tampa to serve their nationwide client base,” said Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. “This new facility will enhance our economic vitality and professional career opportunities, and strengthen our reputation as a center of commerce and innovation in health care.”
“We’re fortunate to have the support of a committed group of public partners at the state and local level,” said Allen Brinkman, Chair of the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation and Chairman, President and CEO of SunTrust Bank Tampa Bay. “Not only does Quest Diagnostics’ expansion decision reflect our community strengths in life sciences and shared services, it showcases our dedication to creating an environment where businesses can – and do – succeed.”
In 2013, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners and the Tampa City Council approved a combined local incentive package of $135,000, supporting a commitment of $540,000 from the State of Florida through the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) program. The total QTI allocation of $675,000 will provide the company with support for up to 175 of the new, high-wage positions. The incentives, to be distributed over a period of six years, are performance-based, meaning funds are only paid after the jobs are created at the wages promised. The incentivized jobs will pay a minimum average wage of $47,581.
Individuals interested in open job listings may refer to the company’s career website at www.QuestDiagnostics.com/Careers
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About the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation:
The Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation is the lead economic development agency for Hillsborough County and the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace. Established in 2009 as a partnership between the public sector and private corporate investors, the EDC works to develop and sustain a thriving local economy through the attraction, retention and expansion of high-wage jobs and capital investment within targeted industry sectors. Working with C-level executives, site selection consultants, commercial real estate professionals and other influential decision-makers, the EDC provides customized, confidential relocation services to domestic and international companies interested in growing within Hillsborough County. Locally, the EDC helps existing businesses access the tools and resources they need to succeed, now and in the future.
About Quest Diagnostics:
Quest Diagnostics is the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services that patients and doctors need to make better healthcare decisions. The company offers the broadest access to diagnostic testing services through its network of laboratories and patient service centers, and provides interpretive consultation through its extensive medical and scientific staff. Quest Diagnostics is a pioneer in developing innovative diagnostic tests and advanced healthcare information technology solutions that help improve patient care. Additional company information is available at QuestDiagnostics.com. Follow us at: Facebook.com/QuestDiagnostics and twitter.com/QuestDX
