Irvine, Calif.-based Allergan has opened its first large facility in New Jersey, the R&D Center in Bridgewater, N.J.

"We will continue to increase our investment in R&D to fuel innovation and expect to spend over $1 billion in 2013,” said David E.I. Pyott, Allergan chairman, president and CEO. “Our New Jersey clinical development site will allow us to benefit from the expertise of the many talented R&D professionals that reside in this state and, most importantly, bring novel medical therapies to patients across the world."

Allergan, a multi-specialty health care company, has a presence in more than 100 countries and approximately 10,500 employees worldwide. The company originally opened a small office in Bedminster, N.J., in 2008. The new R&D Center, which will be specifically focused on clinical development, is a significant expansion of the company's footprint in New Jersey and is expected to eventually house several hundred employees.

"With our robust pool of highly skilled workers in the pharma and biotech sector, New Jersey offers the talent and the location to help advance medical research," said Congressman Leonard Lance of N.J. "Improving our economy is our number one priority, and Allergan's move—and the jobs it brings with it—make this a win-win for the company and our state's residents."

The 93,000-square-foot facility features high-performance, energy-efficient and environmentally responsible energy systems that produce low emissions and optimal indoor air quality. The facility was awarded the U.S. EPA's Energy Star recognition for energy efficiency and environmental protection, and is registered with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), the path to seeking LEED Existing Building-Operating & Maintenance certification.