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07/23/2008
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| Lonza accelerates build-out of Hopkinton site |
• New state-of-the-art 2000-liter microbial manufacturing train
• On stream in March 2009
• Acceleration due to high market demand
Basel, 23 July 2008 – Lonza announces the expansion of its site in Hopkinton, MA (USA). The microbial production facility will be expanded by a state-of-the-art, high-titer 2000-liter manufacturing train. This build-out is earlier than initially planned due to high market demand for mid-scale capacity in microbial manufacturing. The new plant will come on stream in March 2009 and is backed by strong customer commitment.
The 2000 liter fermentation train will be complemented by a highly flexible purification area capable of accommodating complex, high titer and throughput-optimized purification processes. In parallel the entire Hopkinton site infrastructure will be revamped in order to enhance infrastructure reliability (utilities, electricity, waste streams) while increasing operational efficiency. The infrastructure improvements will also help to improve capacity availability and flexibility to match extended requirements for 24/7 operations and to meet cGMP requirements. The new manufacturing and infrastructure capabilities are supported by a strengthened R&D organization, the result of the transfer of all R&D activities from Baltimore to Hopkinton, concluded at the end of May 2008.
“Customers can now benefit from a state-of-the-art microbial manufacturing facility which allows for tailor-made multi-product operations. This 2000-liter mid-size facility is an ideal complement to our existing microbial capacities thus providing our customers the full range from small to large scale. We are pleased that we can accelerate the build-out in Hopkinton and bring this new capacity on stream in only eight months,” comments Dr. Jürg Burger, Head of Lonza Global Microbial Operation. “With a total investment in the mid-double digit million US dollar range, we will accelerate our leadership position in microbial business.”
About Lonza
Lonza is one of the world's leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries. Its products and services span its customers’ needs from research to final product manufacture. Lonza is the global leader in the production and support of active pharmaceutical ingredients both chemically as well as biotechnologically. Biopharmaceuticals are one of the key growth drivers of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Lonza has strong capabilities in large and small molecules, peptides, amino acids and niche bioproducts which play an important role in the development of novel medicines and healthcare products. Lonza is a leader in cell-based research, endotoxin detection and cell therapy manufacturing. Lonza is also a leading provider of value chemical and biotech ingredients to the nutrition, hygiene, preservation, agro and personal care markets.
Lonza is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange. In 2007, Lonza had sales of CHF 2.87 billion. Further information can be found at www.lonza.com.
For further information:
Lonza
Head Corporate Communications
Janet White
Tel +41 61 316 8566
Fax +41 61 316 9566
janet.white@lonza.com
Media Relations
Dominik Werner
Tel +41 61 316 8798
Fax +41 61 316 9798
dominik.werner@lonza.com
Investor Relations
Alexandre Pasini
Tel +41 61 316 8835
Fax +41 61 316 9835
alexandre.pasini@lonza.com
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