PCI forks out $100m to expand New England plant

The Philadelphia-based CDMO will expand its capacity in sterile lyophilization technology and aseptic liquid fill/finish to stay ahead of demand.

PCI Pharma Services says the investment of $100 million at its Bedford, New Hampshire campus will include a 50,000 square-foot facility, which will enable the contract development manufacturing organization (CDMO) to expand its service offerings in biologics packaging and manufacturing.

“We are excited to introduce clients to our newest facility, which is part of our broader strategy to provide integrated end-to-end drug development, manufacturing and packaging capabilities,” said Salim Haffar, CEO, PCI Pharma Services.

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“Our investment in these facilities will ensure that PCI continues to leverage new capabilities in complex formulations, aseptic fill-finish, and lyophilization to meet the needs of our global clients, particularly as biologics continue their strong growth trajectory.”

According to the firm, the building will be home to an aseptic fill-finish line with a fully isolated containment system. Additionally, it will include twin lyophilizers, which have auto-loading and unloading systems and the capacity to complete 400 vials per minute, shortening time to market.

The decision to expand its New England campus comes after PCI’s acquisition of Lyophilization Services of New England (LSNE) in December 2021.

A string of expansions

This is not the CDMO’s only expansion; it follows a string of global investments from PCI, including Berlin, San Diego, Rockford, Illinois, and Melbourne.

PCI will expand another three Bedford-based plants equipped with more aseptic fill-finish and lyophilization capabilities to meet client-based needs. The firm announced construction of a Clinical Center in Bridgewater, Massachusetts at its Bedford location.

PCI also said it will continue to increase its capabilities in Leon, Spain and Madison, Wisconsin, with expectations to hire additional manufacturing team members.