Specialist pharma construction

The US subsidiary of international construction services group Skanska AB has set up a division to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients build facilities that comply with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.

The new Skanska Pharmaceutical Group will operate within Skanska USA Building's Science and Technology Division, one of the leading construction services providers to the pharma/biotech industries. The company generated more than $630 million (€550m) in pharmaceutical-related construction services revenue in 2002.

Skanska has also bolstered its staffing in this area with the appointment of two pharmaceutical engineering and construction industry veterans. Andrew Skibo will serve as the group's president and executive vice president of science and technology, and will also spearhead a move into international markets. Meanwhile, Wael Allan has joined the firm as senior vice president of the Skanska Pharmaceutical Group and, along with Skibo, will serve as managing director of its registered UK business.

Robert Mullen, president of science and technology at Skanska USA Building, said that the new group "will create value for clients by integrating the entire construction process, from pre-construction through validation. The added expertise will also enable us to help clients incorporate the latest innovations into their facilities while maintaining costs".​

Headquartered in Parsippany, New Jersey, the Skanska Pharmaceutical Group also has offices in London, UK, and Puerto Rico, and is currently serving major pharmaceutical clients in Belgium, the Netherlands, UK, USA, Uruguay and Puerto Rico.