Avecia's fermentation facility on schedule

Technological consultancy Atkins Process and Avecia have brought the ABC Multiplex microbial fermentation facility in Billingham, UK, above ground in line with Avecia's planned start for commercial production in 2003.

The first phase of Avecia's biologics investment will comprise two 5,000l capacity fermentation streams. Each of these will have independent harvesting and purification suites, enabling multi-product manufacturing. Further phased development will add two 15,000l capacity fermenters and their associated purification streams. Scheduled in-service date is 2005, and the completed facility will be able to run four large-scale manufacturing campaigns simultaneously.

'This is a significant planned milestone for the project and demonstrates that we are on track for the delivery of the world's largest such facility,' said Paul Stapleton, director of Atkins Process.