Opening of DSM Biologics' new laboratory in Groningen (the Netherlands)

14-Sep-2001

Today, Mr Hermans, the Dutch Minister of education, Culture and Science, and Feike Sijbesma, one of the members of DSM's Managing Board, are going to open DSM Biologics' new laboratory in Groningen (the Netherlands). The building is large enough to accommodate all DSM Biologics' R&D activities in Groningen in a period of strong growth.

The expanded laboratory facilities will enable DSM Biologics to offer its customers even better service and quality. The new facilities are also entirely in line with DSM's ongoing efforts to further optimize its GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) processes. The new laboratory lies very close to the production site, so development and production will remain closely integrated. The transfer of DSM Biologics' R&D activities to the new laboratory, which measures 1,600 m², will moreover imply more room for further expansion of the capacity of the production site, which currently has an area of about 3,500 m².

DSM Biologics is evolving into a major economic factor (and hence a source of high-grade employment) in the Groningen area. More and more students following courses in biotechnology at Groningen University can now remain in the area after their graduation by opting for a career with DSM. To continue to grow, DSM Biologics needs a constant flow of highly educated people combining scientific expertise with experience with biopharmaceutical production processes. Depending on potential further investments, DSM Biologics believes, that some 50-100 extra personnel in Groningen over the next 2-3 years seems possible. As far as education and employment are concerned, DSM intends to intensify its collaboration with the authorities and educational institutes to secure a constant inflow of young professionals.

Mr Schuiling, one of Groningen's city councilors and responsible for the municipality's economic affairs, had the following to say about DSM Biologics on the opening of its new laboratory: "As a contract manufacturer of biopharmaceutical products, this company is an important link in our city's biomedical cluster of companies and centers of expertise. DSM's expansion will imply a tremendous impulse for the Life Science sector in Groningen, which is the spearhead of our municipal policy."

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/4687/opening-of-dsm-biologics-new-laboratory-in-groningen-the-netherlands.html