Celltech upgrading its sterile facilities
Celltech Manufacturing Services, of Ashton Under Lyne in the UK, is to undertake a major revamp of its sterile products plant. Currently at the detailed design stage, the €8m (US$7.9m) project will increase the floor area by 40%, while improved utilisation and the installation of higher output machinery will enable output to be doubled.
The present building layout integrates the contract manufacturing side of the business with the manufacture of Celltech's own products. The upgrade aims to provide facilities for Celltech's development products, such as clinical trials work, while at the same time providing scope for the expansion of the contract manufacturing activities.
Construction will begin in the first quarter of next year and is due for completion by the end of 2004. The company hopes to minimise disruption, but customers will be given at least 12 months' notice of any shutdown.