Fujifilm Diosynth Adding Production Capacity

The Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies contract-manufacturing facility in Morrisville is being expanded just two months after being purchased by its new Japanese parent, FUJIFILM Corporation.

The 370-employee factory, which produces ingredients used in biotechnology drugs, will expand its mammalian and insect cell-culture capabilities with a new 1,000-liter bioreactor, additional mixers and filtration equipment.

The addition complements the 200-liter bioreactor already in operation at the company’s Process Development Laboratories in Cary, and other equipment in its Research Triangle Park manufacturing plant.

President Stephen Spearman said the new bioreactor can produce products in volumes ranging from 200 to 1,000 liters.

John Foy, senior director of business development and logistics at Fujifilm Diosynth Research Triangle Park, said the flexibility of scale “will allow us to better serve the demands of companies requiring material for pre-clinical studies, early- to mid-phase clinical production, and beyond.”

The executives expect the expansion to be fully operational by 2012.