Dive Brief:
- Pfizer is planning a potentially major expansion of its Grange Castle manufacturing facility in Clondalkin, Ireland, expanding its presence in the country even after new U.S. tax rules scuttled its mega-merger with the Irish Allergan.
- The expansion currently under consideration would add nearly 35,000 square feet to the former Wyeth site, which is one of the largest biotechnology plants in the world, the Irish Times reports.
- Pfizer has already made significant investments in the Grange Castle and nearby Ringaskiddy facilities, spending $330 million on the two sites in recent years
Dive Insight:
Pfizer is a big company with big manufacturing needs.
Assuming that the latest expansion plans move forward, the planned buildings will add lab space and a warehouse facility to Grange Castle. Pfizer manufactures some of its best-selling products at the site, including its anti-TNF drug Enbrel and its top-selling vaccine Prevnar, the Irish Times said.
A spokesperson with Pfizer confirmed the company intends to file a planning application with the South Dublin County Council for the expansion. Pfizer’s plans are predicated on the “continued successful clinical development” of certain unnamed compounds in Pfizer’s mid- and late-stage pipeline, the spokesperson said.
Originally opened in 2005, Pfizer expanded the development facility at Grange Castle in 2007. Current facilities cover over one million square feet on 90 acres. Overall, Pfizer has invested nearly $2 billion in Grange Castle facilities.