UCB commences construction of new Swiss plant

UCB has commenced construction of its new biotechnology production unit in Switzerland during a special ceremony last week.

The first stone has been laid at the Bulle site, marking the first step in the creation of a 20,000 sq m facility that will be used to produce antibody-based drugs such as Cimzia, while housing clean rooms, quality control labs, maintenance and storage units and offices.

Around 140 jobs will be created thanks to the 250 million euro (201.59 million pounds) investment from UCB, with recruitment for these positions set to begin in June 2012.

This new facility will complement the company's Braine l'Alleud site in Belgium and will help to augment its global manufacturing capabilities.

Roch Doliveux, chief executive officer of UCB, said: "The decision to add biotechnology manufacturing capability to its supply chain is significant for UCB, especially since this new plant … is destined to become a strategic biotechnological production centre for the group."

During the first quarter of 2012, the company posted a revenue total of 877 million euros, with its core products Cimzia, Vimpat and Neupro delivering strong growth.