WORCESTER, Mass. - WuXi Biologics held a topping off ceremony Tuesday morning for their new manufacturing facility at The Reactory biotech project in Worcester. 

In a truly global event, speakers at the former Worcester State Hospital site and remotely in Asia spoke as the final steel beam was placed at the construction site. The project, scheduled to be completed in 2024, will create up to 250 jobs in Worcester's growing biotech industry.

Government officials and leaders from WuXi spoke about the products to be manufactured in the facility and the collaboration it took to get to this point.

"For many of us it represents two things," William Aitchison, WuXi senior VP and head of global manufacturing, said. "And that is opportunity for our partners and products life saving products for the many patients around the world who will benefit from the products that are made in this facility."

"For Worcester to believe in WuXi, and then for WuXi to believe in Worcester, was really the connection in the partnership that formed," Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said.

WuXi Biologics is global research, development and manufacturing company with over 10,000 employees worldwide.