SAFC Expands API Capacity in Europe

SAFC is investing $10 million to increase cGMP commercial-scale API manufacturing capacity at its SAFC Pharma, Arklow, Ireland facility, and to expand capacity to enhance manufacturing operations at its Buchs, Switzerland facilities.

The company will invest $4.7 million at the Arklow facility and will increase production capacity and capability. The site will upgrade the pilot plant and add additional vessels to increase chemistry capacity for API products. Additional enhancements are expected to increase utility capacity and further increase the site’s environmental performance. The expansion is scheduled for 1Q2008.

At the Buchs site, the company will invest $5.4 million to extend its existing cGMP production facility with a 17,200-sq.-ft. expansion designed to enhance production capacity by 25% through improved materials flow and separation, and increased materials storage. The new two-level storage facility is expected to become fully operational in spring 2008. The site supports manufacturing operations for the SAFC Pharma and SAFC Supply Solutions business sectors.

SAFC president Frank Wicks commented, “These significant investments enhance our determination to support SAFC Pharma’s rapid growth and help us reduce our environmental footprint, maintaining our position as one of the most responsible companies in the industry. The expansion of the Arklow facility underlines the desire of our customers to have their API manufactured to a reassuringly high quality standard in a superior technical environment, partnered with a premium company that can ensure a security of supply.”