Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that its Anda Distribution division will construct a 234,000 square foot, state-of-the-art pharmaceutical distribution facility in Olive Branch, DeSoto County, MS. The company said the facility, which is expected to begin operation in the second quarter of 2012, will employ approximately 70 workers. Anda officials credited the cooperation of the Mississippi Development Authority and Governor Haley Barbour's administration in its decision to invest approximately $23.5 million in the construction and outfitting of the Mississippi facility, and the relocation of operations from its current facility in Groveport, Ohio, to the state. IDI has been hired to construct the building at Crossroads Distribution Center, which is located just off Highway 78 in Olive Branch.

“We are very appreciative of the pro-business, pro-investment climate of Mississippi and Governor Barbour's administration, and of the welcome and support we have received from the state, DeSoto County and Olive Branch government and business leaders,” said Albert Paonessa III, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Anda Distribution. “We are proud to join the number of companies that have located operations, or expanded current operations here, over the past several years. We look forward to being a solid contributor to local employment, the local business community, and to enhancing our service to our national customers following our initiation of operations at the Olive Branch facility.”

“Our new Olive Branch facility will enable Anda to maximize our proximity to and business relationship with Fed Ex, our current primary shipper,” Paonessa continued. “The new facility, as planned, will be more appropriately sized than our current leased facility in Ohio, resulting in significant efficiencies that will further streamline Anda's operations. Finally, Mississippi was very supportive of our efforts to locate in the greater Memphis area, and to creating additional jobs to support the local economy.”

Anda Distribution is the fourth largest U.S. distributor of generic pharmaceuticals. Anda primarily distributes generic, select brand pharmaceutical products, vaccines, injectables and over-the-counter medicines from more than 200 suppliers to more than 65,000 locations, including 11,000 physician accounts, 17,000 independent pharmacies, and more than 35,000 chain locations.

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an integrated global specialty pharmaceutical company and is engaged in the development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution of generic pharmaceuticals and specialized branded pharmaceutical products focused on Urology and Women's Health.

IDI is a real estate company focused exclusively on industrial property. It provides development, investment and property management and leasing services supported by eight, strategically located US market offices.