Intervet/Schering-Plough increases vaccine production capacity

Intervet/Schering-Plough has expanded its global vaccine production capabilities with the opening of a new facility at the Biosciences Center Boxmeer.

The new expansion to the animal health company’s Dutch site has cost $22 million (14.3 million pounds) and has incorporated new production lines, additional floor space, state-of-the-art fermentors and clean rooms.

It is to be used to manufacture veterinary vaccines against bacterial infections, allowing Intervet/Schering-Plough to meet rising demand for the products.

Malte Greune, senior vice-president of animal health manufacturing for the company, said the new unit is representative of the “ongoing investments in innovation” made by Intervet/Schering-Plough.

He added: “We believe that this facility and its equipment, as well as the people that work here, all contribute to the success of our business.”

Last month, it was announced that Intervet/Schering-Plough is to merge with fellow animal health company Merial in a deal which will create one of the world’s largest veterinary pharmaceutical businesses.