The threat of a flu pandemic throughout 2009 kept GlaxoSmithKlines Lancaster County facility working at top speed–so much so that the Marietta plant didnt find time to celebrate its opening until May 12.
The worldwide pharma firm finally dedicated its vaccine filling and packaging plant in a former Wyeth facility last week. After purchasing the 665,0000-square foot building in 2005, GSK invested $375 million to upgrade the plant, which employs 300 workers.
GKS spokesperson Sarah Alspach says that the investment has created a center for excellence for freeze-dried vaccines and seasonal flu filling and packaging, including new technologies for high-level automation, sterility insurance, and IT.
During the H1N1 pandemic, the facility produced a vaccine bulk filling component called adjuvant which was used outside the U.S. Six GSK vaccines are now packaged onsite for U.S. distribution. They include Engerix-B, Infanrix, Havrix , Hiberix, Infanrix and Pediarix.
Alspach says by end of 2010, virtually all GSK vaccines will pass through the facility. While further investment in the plant is planned, Alspach could not comment on future hiring.
Source: Sarah Alspach, GSK
Writer: Chris OToole