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Somerset expands workforce training as robotics showroom and pharmaceutical headquarters open locally
Summary
County officials highlighted a 22,000-square-foot expansion at Raritan Valley Community College, new showroom by Libio Robotics in Hillsborough and recent pharmaceutical relocations as part of Somerset County’s workforce and economic development efforts.
Director Robinson and county officials told the Somerset County Board of Commissioners that investments in workforce training and business attraction are driving local economic growth. At the Sept. meeting, Robinson highlighted recent ribbon cuttings and industry partnerships and said the county is aligned with community colleges and companies to build a skilled pipeline.
The most immediate example is Raritan Valley Community College’s expanded workforce training center, a 22,000-square-foot addition that includes two clean rooms and equipment for mechatronics, robotics, welding and electric-vehicle technology. Commissioner Drake said the expansion also includes a technology showcase for equipment providers and called the facility a major asset for regional employers.
Robinson named several large employers with local operations — including Johnson & Johnson, Roche, Regeneron and Legend Biotech — and said those companies, along with new entrants, have made Somerset County attractive to workforce investment. “With continued investments, alignment, and innovation, our workforce training center will be a national model for community colleges powering economic development and social mobility,” Robinson said.
Separately, Libio Robotics opened a North American showroom in Hillsborough that the county said will allow customers to see warehouse-automation systems in action. County staff told commissioners the showroom is expected to bring visiting customers to the county but will not house a large on-site workforce. The county economic development team also noted recent openings, including Okta Pharmaceuticals’ new headquarters in Basking Ridge, and said staff has worked with companies on grants and introductions since 2022.
The board also approved a resolution to accept Workforce New Jersey grant funds through the county acting as fiscal agent, which the county reported will continue transportation supports and expand eligibility beyond TANF to additional populations. That resolution (read into the record during the meeting) will be considered for adoption at the next regular meeting.
County officials said the combined strategy — expanded training capacity at RVCC, outreach to employers and trade-show exposure at the new robotics showroom — is intended to retain and attract employers while creating training pathways for residents.
Commissioners did not take final action on the workforce items at the Sept. discussion meeting; the material was placed on the consent agenda for the regular meeting scheduled Oct. 14 for formal consideration.
