Octapharma Plasma opens in Springdale

Octapharma Plasma Inc., the Charlotte, N.C.-based plasma collection subsidiary of Octapharma, recently invested about $6 million to renovate a former bowling alley into a 13,000-square-foot plasma donation center at 1303 S. Thompson St. in Springdale.

The center is the company’s first Northwest Arkansas location and the second in Arkansas. The first was in Little Rock.

“It’s a privilege to expand in Arkansas and now serve residents in the northwest portion of the state, said Octapharma Plasma Chief Operating Officer Alice Stewart. “Arkansas is home to one of our original centers. The dedication of those residents made Octapharma’s significant growth possible. We look forward to returning, expanding our footprint and developing meaningful relationships with the community as they join us in our lifesaving work.”

The new center has about 20 full- and part-time staff, and the number is expected to rise. According to a news release, the center will support about 50 jobs.

Founded in 2007, Octapharma Plasma operates more than 180 plasma donation centers across the United States and serves more than 650,000 donors annually.