Temple, Texas-The City of Temple authorized an Economic Development Agreement with Baylor Scott & White Health, agreeing to convey approximately 42 acres to Baylor Scott & White Health. Baylor Scott & White Health plans to construct a new distribution facility at 5141 North General Bruce Drive, this facility will be utilized as a distribution center for medical and other supplies utilized by its system of hospitals and clinics.
“Healthcare is responsible for just over 10,000 jobs in Temple with average earnings of $75,341 per year and the industry accounts for 8% of the area’s economy,” Temple EDC, President, David Blackburn said. “It is great to see Baylor Scott &White continuing to invest in our community. Congratulations to the City of Temple and Baylor Scott & White on being able to put together a project that is mutually beneficial.”
Baylor Scott & White Health anticipates making at least a $20 Million investment in the construction of the approximately 100,000 square foot facility. The new facility will also result in the creation or retention of 40 jobs. The City will extend a water line to serve the distribution facility and surrounding properties at an approximate cost of $1.5 Million. The City anticipates Baylor Scott & White to initiate the project within the next two years, as stipulated in the agreement.
“As the largest not-for-profit health care system in the state of Texas, the Baylor Scott & White footprint is vast,” President and Chief Operating Officer, Baylor Scott &White Health-Central Texas, Pat Currie said. “The placement of this distribution center in Temple is strategic for our entire system and will have an impact on a large portion of the state. We fully anticipate and look forward to a type of ripple-effect impact in Temple, not only with the jobs for the distribution center, but continued growth with suppliers and vendors whom we count on and look for as neighbors.”
In April, Baylor Scott & White Health opened new offices for the headquarters of Baylor Scott & White Health Service Company in Temple. The largest not-for-profit health care system in Texas, and one of the largest in the United States, Baylor Scott & White Health was born from the 2013 combination of Baylor Health Care System and Scott & White Healthcare.
Known for exceptional patient care for more than a century, the two organizations serve adjacent regions of Texas and operate on a foundation of complementary values and similar missions.
Baylor Scott & White Health includes 49 hospitals, more than 500 patient care sites, more than 5,800 affiliated physicians and 35,000+ employees. In FY 2014, the healthcare system had more than 5.3 million patient encounters and provided $861 million in benefits to communities.
“I am excited that we are able to work closely with one of our key employers in the city to expand their operations,” City Manager Jonathan Graham said, according to the press release. “Baylor Scott & White has been a part of our community for more than 100 years and we are pleased that we can aid in expanding their footprint in our community at a very visible location on I-35. This investment by Baylor Scott & White Health will eventually lead to the creation or retention of at least 40 full-time jobs.”