PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s Anda Distribution division plans to build a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical distribution facility in Olive Branch, Miss.

Watson said Thursday that the 234,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin operation in the second quarter of 2012 and employ approximately 70 workers.

Anda officials credited the cooperation of the Mississippi Development Authority and Gov. Haley Barbour’s administration in its decision to invest about $23.5 million in the construction and outfitting of the Mississippi facility, and the relocation of operations from Anda’s current facility in Groveport, Ohio, to the state.

"Our new Olive Branch facility will enable Anda to maximize our proximity to and business relationship with Fed Ex, our current primary shipper," stated Albert Paonessa, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Anda Distribution. "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."

According to Watson, Anda 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 17,000 independent pharmacies and more than 35,000 chain drug store locations. The company presently distributes products from facilities in Weston, Fla., and Groveport, Ohio.