The Lubrizol Corp.’s (Wickliffe, Ohio; www.lubrizol.com) LifeSciences business is investing $10 million for a significant capacity expansion at its silicone contract manufacturing site in Franklin, Wisconsin. This investment strengthens the company’s silicone business by adding 71,000 square feet of space that complements the existing 126,000 square foot operation. Previously, in 2010, Vesta more than doubled its footprint at this location; the current expansion supports LifeSciences’ longterm growth strategy to provide high-quality manufacturing for silicone implants and finished medical devices.
“When customers partner with Lubrizol LifeSciences, they benefit from working with us at every stage in their development process,” states Uwe Winzen, general manager, Lubrizol LifeSciences. “With a long history of polymer expertise combined with recent investments, Lubrizol LifeSciences is positioned to offer full-service development for the next generation of medical devices, as well as long-term implantable and drug-eluting device innovations.”
This expansion adds 71,000 square feet of new space featuring product development, cellular manufacturing, and high-efficiency production lines, as well as separate Class 7 & 8 clean room space for the production of implants and drug-eluting devices. The expansion allows LifeSciences to capitalize on the strong local labor pool and technical expertise offered in the Wisconsin area.
“This new space covers immediate short-term needs, but also provides room for growth in the future. Customers can feel comfortable that we are able to handle both their current projects, as well as a significant increase in their future business efforts,” states Mark Stuart, general manager, Vesta. “Companies looking for a world-class, efficient contract manufacturing partner can choose us knowing that we are a sustainable partner for their long term growth.”