A Bayer spokesperson says the move will involve about 100 headquarters personnel and begin in January. When completed, Bayer will employ about 850 workers at the site. The company houses its North American commercial functions, Bayer HealthCare headquarters and sister business Bayer Diagnostics at the property.

Bayer officials did not comment on reports that it was lured by other Northeast locations, including Connecticut. The relocation of the Diabetes Care Division to Tarrytown came after an evaluation of all Bayer HealthCare sites throughout North America, the spokesperson says.

The Westchester County Office of Economic Development, the county's Industrial Development Agency, the state's Empire State Development Corp. and the City of Yonkers worked to keep Bayer in New York State. The city agreed to transfer benefits of its Empire Zone to Bayer HealthCare based on the company's designation as a "Regionally Significant Manufacturer." With that designation, Empire Zone benefits are extended to firms that are located near, but not in the Empire Zone.

Westchester County Executive Andy Spano says they made a concerted effort to help the company expand and retain its existing employees. "This was a true regional partnership where everyone was working towards a common goal. Now, not only are they staying, but they're choosing to invest millions of dollars in improvements."

The company is expected to receive an unspecified amount of aid based on an exemption from state sales taxes and a refundable tax credit, according to state officials. In addition, the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency is expected to exempt Bayer from local sales taxes on major purchases in relation with its planned capital improvements at the property.

The spokesperson says the company plans to make improvements to its existing facilities and infrastructure at 511 Benedict Ave., including some new offices and laboratories. However, the improvements will not involve the expansion of the complex itself.