Bristol-Myers to build $1 billion plant
Source: Intech - ISA - June 8th, 06

Who said they aren’t building manufacturing plants in the U.S.? Bristol-Myers Squibb said it will build a $1.1 billion manufacturing plant at Devens, Mass., northwest of Boston.

Construction on the multi-product bulk biologics manufacturing plant will begin in September, and the facility should be ready to go in 2009. Commercial production of biologic compounds should begin in 2011. Once operational, the site will require an initial workforce of approximately 350 employees.

The facility will be modular in design in order to accommodate future expansion, which would lead to a total of approximately 550 employees at the site. The factory will occupy 750,000 square feet on 80 acres.

“Biologics offer tremendous potential in treating a number of serious diseases, and they will play a key role in driving our company’s future growth and success,” said Peter R. Dolan, Bristol-Myers Squibb’s chief executive. “The investment in the Devens facility represents a significant commitment toward increasing manufacturing capacity so that we can meet future market demand and research production needs for the company’s biologic compounds.”

Just last month, Procter & Gamble said it would close one of two former Gillette plants in Devens by year’s end and eliminate at least 100 jobs. Work on packaging for razors and hygiene products made at Devens will transfer to a plant in Greensboro, N.C.