Thermo Fisher opens $44m single-use Utah plant

Thermo Fisher says its manufacturing site in Ogden, Utah increases production of single-use bioprocess containers, which are crucial to developing vaccines and therapies.

According to Thermo Fisher Scientific, the opening of its 55,000 square-foot single-use technology (SUT) facility in Ogden is part of a long-term $650 million investment the firm announced last March.

Thermo claims that the plant provides additional capacity to produce various technology and materials needed for the development of emerging vaccines and breakthrough therapies. The facility will manufacture customizable bioprocess container (BPC) systems, which are used for the delivery, processing, separation, storage, and transportation of liquids.

Thermo Fisher ribbon cutting ceremony at its Utah site. Image c/o Thermo Fisher

Additionally, they can be integrated into systems across all steps in the production of life-saving biologics, vaccines, and cell and gene therapies.

“The integration of single use technology in today’s bioproduction market creates positive, long-term impact to production efficiencies and flexibility in manufacturing,” a spokesperson for the firm told BioProcess Insider.

“Single-use bioprocess containers are cost-effective alternatives to conventional stainless steel systems and are designed to help increase productivity. They serve a critical function in the development and production of lifesaving vaccines and therapeutics and are core to the biopharma industry’s ability to adapt and scale. With significant advances in new lifesaving therapies over the next decade, these products will be instrumental in bringing new discoveries from molecule to medicine.”

The spokesperson said “A key driver in the decision to continue expanding in Utah is the quality of the workforce,” and the site has already hired over 300 members of staff.

The company says there is potential to employ up to 450 people across quality, manufacturing, HR, engineering, safety, and warehousing. Furthermore, the firm has more than 2,000 colleagues based across the state of Utah.

“Thermo Fisher helped establish the state as a critical hub for bioprocessing and its existing footprint helped drive interest in open positions. It’s not every day or every place that individuals can come to work to be part of saving lives, and the Ogden site provides that opportunity,” said the spokesperson.

Global expansions   

The firm has been involved in a string of investments and expansions.

In February 2022, the company  invested $40 million to expand its Millersburg, Pennsylvania plant support production of SUT for vaccines and therapeutics. A month later, Thermo Fisher forked out $97 million to increase its bioanalytical laboratory operations into three locations in the Greater Richmond, Virginia region.

In September 2021, the firm announced an investment of $82.5 million in a Missouri drug substance facility run by its contract development manufacturing organization (CDMO) division Patheon. And one month after, it opened a Swiss biologics plant as part of its collaboration with CSL Limited.