Piramal to increase API development and manufacturing capacity at Riverview facility in $32 million expansion

The $32 million expansion at the company's Riverview Michigan facility will add both additional capacity and new capabilities in labs and manufacturing

The company says it is making the investment to keep up with expected demand based on current forecasts, including potential new opportunities.

The 25,000 sq. ft expansion includes 8,500 sq. ft of production space. Capacity will increase in large-scale manufacturing with the addition of new reactors capable of handling up to 4000 L.

Piramal Pharma Solutions is also adding two new kilo labs for process development and GMP manufacture for clinical trials at scales up to 100 L.

New equipment of critical importance to the expansion includes a 1 m2 filter dryer with glovebox technology, 3 kL/4 kL mild steel glass lined reactor and 3 kL Hastelloy reactor, all designed to handle potent compounds with ccupational exposure limits (OELs) >1 mcg/m3.

Facility design procedures assure all appropriate safety measures, including controlled room pressurizations with air locks for safe movement of people and materials, glovebox technology/contained systems for charging and discharging of potent compounds, and a scrubber to address any reaction off-gassing.

The expansion — the seventh major acquisition or expansion by Piramal Pharma Solutions in North America in the past 6 years — is planned to be ready for customers at the beginning Summer 2022.

The company expects to hire an additional 20 staff at the expanded facility, bringing the total headcount to more than 180 employees and further benefiting the local economy.