Cambrex completes $50 million investment in large scale API at its Charles City, Iowa site
Cambrex, (Stand 8F30), recently announced the completion and validation of a $50 million state-of-the-art production and warehousing expansion at its cGMP Charles City, Iowa site. The investment in capacity and capabilities was made in reflection of strong market demand for small molecule APIs and high utilisation of Cambrex’s existing large scale assets.
The new 7,500 sq. ft. multi-purpose manufacturing facility will initially add a total of 70m3 of glass lined and Hastelloy reactors ranging in size from 7m3 to 16m3, along with 6m2 Hastelloy agitated filter dryers to provide a flexible, multi-purpose configuration, and will be capable of handling potent APIs at an Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) of down to 1μg/m3. The facility complements the three existing large scale manufacturing facilities at the Charles City site.
The 36,000 sq. ft. cGMP warehouse provides general cGMP storage for 2,720 pallets and segregated 2-8°C refrigerated storage for 360 pallet spaces and features Distributed Control System monitoring and control for temperature and humidity. The facility employs a barcode system for automated bin location and has a dedicated sampling room with appropriate extraction and handling for flammable materials.
Additionally, a further 7,500 sq. ft. manufacturing shell has been constructed which will be fitted out to customer specification.
“There is high demand for US based suppliers with large scale cGMP contract manufacturing capacity and world class quality systems,” commented Steve Klosk, CEO of Cambrex. He added, “We have invested over $125 million at the Charles City site since we acquired it in 1991 and believe that this expansion, combined with a very talented and experienced team, provides an ongoing foundation for our customers’ small molecule product manufacturing needs while supporting our goal of bringing our customers’ products to market quickly.”
Cambrex’s Charles City, Iowa facility sits on a 45-acre site and manufactures a wide range of APIs and pharmaceutical intermediates, including highly potent molecules and controlled substances. The facility is one of a limited number authorised by the US DEA to import narcotic raw materials at commercial scale.