LAs Life Science and Biotechnology Industry Continues Growth
Mayor Bass toured Quest Diagnostics’ newly expanded laboratories in West Hills, highlighting the growth of LA’s life science industry, which generated $15. 8 billion in total economic output in 2024. This sector supports over 59,000 jobs, reinforcing its critical role in the local economy. Bass remarked that the industry not only creates good-paying jobs but also enhances accessibility to medical innovations for residents. Mark Machulcz, President of Quest Diagnostics’ West Region, expressed pride in their investment in the San Fernando Valley, improving patient access through advanced laboratory insights.
The West Hills lab spans nearly 300,000 square feet, making it one of Quest's largest facilities in the U. S. With over 1,000 employees, the lab conducts tests for various health conditions, serving approximately one in two doctors and one in three American adults annually. As a former healthcare provider, Bass understands the necessity of world-class medical facilities in fostering innovation and a skilled workforce. Earlier this year, she also visited the under-construction California Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, projecting its potential as a future hub for medical innovation.