(Crystal Proenza is associate editor of Real EstateFlorida.)

MIAMI-Becton Dickinson and Co., a New Jersey-based global medical technology company, plans to invest $20 million to open a 90,000-sf biosciences manufacturing facility in a building formerly used by IVAX Pharmaceuticals. The new facility will be used to produce cell culture media supplements for production of vaccines and biopharmaceuticals, and is expected to create 75 high-paying jobs and $3.3 million in new tax revenue over the next eight years for Miami-Dade County's school system and general fund.

"Worldwide demand is increasing for our cell culture media supplements that are used in the production of biological medicines," Tom Isett, vice president of advanced bioprocessing for BD, stated in a release. "Miami-Dade County, with its spirit of public-private partnership, skilled workforce and infrastructure, is an ideal location for BD to grow this important part of our business."

The Beacon Council, Miami-Dade County's economic development partnership, recruited the company for the building. The agency helped secure local and state incentives totaling $1.4 million related to investment and job creation commitments.