West Pharmaceutical Services Expands Facility And Donates Land In Kinston, North Carolina

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., in conjunction with the State of North Carolina Office of the Governor, recently announced the expansion of the company's manufacturing facility located in the city of Kinston, Lenoir County, North Carolina. The expansion will add 37,000 square feet to the existing 134,000-square-foot facility and will house a new process room, new space for the Westar product line, a laboratory and Water-for-Injection (WFI) room and 23 new pieces of machinery.

With this expansion, West is making an $18.7M commitment over the next three years and creating 154 new jobs in Lenoir County. In addition, West announced the donation of a 29-acre parcel of land, the site of the company's former facility, to the North Carolina Global TransPark (NC GTP) Authority.

At Friday's ribbon cutting ceremony, Jim Fain, Secretary, North Carolina Department of Commerce, commented: "We are pleased to be here today to applaud West's expansion. This investment recognizes a great partnership, which has been strengthened by both adversity and prosperity. We'd like to thank West for its civic generosity in donating land to the Global TransPark Authority."

Also joining Secretary Fain were O.A. "Buddy" Ritch, Jr., Mayor, City of Kinston, George W. Graham, Jr., Chairman, Lenoir County Board of Commissioners and Bill Hunneke, Board Member, NC GTP Authority.

"This facility expansion and land rededication marks an important milestone for West and we greatly appreciate the support of the City of Kinston, Lenoir County and the State of North Carolina," said Donald E. Morel, Jr., Ph.D., Chairman and CEO of West. "We have a talented Kinston work force and would like to thank our current employees for their support and commitment to the company. Governor Easley and his team in North Carolina have been instrumental in creating a favorable economic climate and we feel Kinston is the ideal place to expand our business. This facility will serve a number of existing and future clients."

The expansion in Lenoir County was made possible in part by a $300,000 One North Carolina Fund Grant. The One North Carolina Fund Grant assists the state in industry recruitment and expansion by providing financial assistance through local governments to attract business projects that will stimulate economic activity and create new jobs in the state.

About West
West is the world's premier manufacturer of components and systems for injectable drug delivery, including stoppers and seals for vials, and closures and disposable components used in syringe, IV and blood collection systems. The Company also provides products with application to the personal care, food and beverage markets. West's customers include the world's leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology, generic drug and medical device producers. Headquartered in Lionville, Pennsylvania, West supports its partners and customers from 50 locations throughout North America, South America, Europe, Mexico, Japan, Asia and Australia. For more information, visit West at www.westpharma.com.

SOURCE: West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.