WuXi Biologics set to commence construction in the new year

CHINESE BIO-PHARMACEUTICAL FIRM TO BEGIN WORK ON SITE NEXT MONTH

WORK will begin on site in January to prepare the way for the construction of the new WuXi Biologics biopharmaceuticals contract manufacturing campus at the IDA Ireland Dundalk Science and Technology Park just off the M1 motorway at Mullagharlin.

The go-ahead for site works follows the grant of planning permission for the new facility by Louth County Council.

The new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will create 400 high value jobs for Dundalk over the coming years and 700 jobs during the construction phase between now and the end of 2020.

The grant of planning permission was described as ‘a significant step forward in WuXi Biologics’ €325m investment for Dundalk.

The imminent commencement of construction has been welcomed by Dr Chris Chen, Chief Executive Officer of WuXi Biologics: ‘Given that this is WuXi Biologics’ first ever manufacturing investment in Europe and the largest project the company has undertaken outside China, we are delighted to have received such a warm and positive welcome from the local community. WuXi Biologics is the world’s only single source of biologics contract manufacturing capability from concept to commercialisation.’

He added: Our ‘factory of the future’ in Dundalk will be the world’s largest biopharmaceuticals contract manufacturing facility using single-use production technology. The development of this new facility symbolises the build-out of our global contract biomanufacturing network to make sure that biologics can be manufactured at the highest quality, providing a robust supply chain to benefit patients worldwide.’

With this new project, we can actively work with local partners to build this state-of-theart biomanufacturing facility as a showcase for the entire global biotech community.’

The CEO said it is anticipated that general recruitment will begin in 2020 with the facility moving into full production the following year. These jobs will range from manufacturing to technical and quality assurance roles as well as for associated administration positions.

Sitework contracts allow for site-works to begin in early January. This work will comprise the construction of internal roads, extensive earthworks and the construction of berms to minimise noise and to screen the site from external views.

Siteworks should be finished by mid-year enabling the WuXi Biologics Project Team and the construction management operator to move into temporary offices on site. The main buildings on the site will be enclosed before year end to facilitate internal build and fit out.

Site services will come on stream about mid-year including canteen facilities as the employment numbers on the site grow to several hundred for the major build-out.

When completed, the facility will become one of the world’s largest biologics facilities using single-use bioreactors.