Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD) has been named the 2021 recipient of the Governor’s Bioscience Award.
The award recognizes individuals and companies that make significant contributions to the Nebraska bioscience industry. It was given during Bio Nebraska’s annual meeting.
“BD has long been a respected employer of choice in Nebraska,” said Gov. Pete Ricketts. “They recently completed a $70 million expansion in our state, bringing more great-paying jobs to Nebraska. In light of their growing commitment and their work to manufacture critical medical supplies during the pandemic, it is fitting to award them with this year’s Bioscience Award. Congratulations!”
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies globally and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. The company operates four world-class manufacturing facilities in Nebraska – two in Columbus and others in Holdrege and Broken Bow – employing 3,500 Nebraska-based employees.
BD recently announced expanded manufacturing capacity at its Holdrege facility, increasing needle and syringe supply capabilities to support the domestic rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of maintaining a predictable and robust supply chain, particularly for the materials needed to diagnose, treat and prevent the virus. As the global supply chain continues to face unprecedented pressure, BD is committed to ensuring supply continuity of much-needed materials and devices.
The Governor’s Bioscience Award is presented annually to an individual or company that has made significant contributions to Nebraska’s bioscience industry. The selection criteria range from conducting innovative research to product development to investment that grows the bioscience community in Nebraska. The recipient is selected based on input from Bio Nebraska Board of Directors, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development as well as conversations with state leaders. The award was presented in October, which Ricketts had proclaimed Nebraska’s Bioscience Month.
“October is Bioscience Month in Nebraska, and we have been celebrating the accomplishments of Bio Nebraska members and the growth of Nebraska’s bio-ecosystem the entire month,” said Rob Owen, executive director of Bio Nebraska. “I can’t think of a better way to bring Bioscience Month to a close than presenting BD with the Governor’s Bioscience Award. BD is a key component of Nebraska’s bio-ecosystem, a centerpiece of the medtech sector in the state, and its commitment to investment in Nebraska makes it an ideal recipient of the award.”
Founded in 2005, Bio Nebraska is a non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting, promoting and growing Nebraska’s bio-ecosystem, and connecting the bio-ecosystem to the world.
Bio Nebraska is the only organization in the state representing over 80 bio-related entities, including human health, medical device, animal health, agriculture, industrial biotech, research institutions, as well as service providers.