Emerson wins Singapore bio plant contract
The facility, plans for which were unveiled in May, will use cell culture technologies to produce innovative biologic drugs, including monoclonal antibodies and therapeutic proteins, on a contractual basis.
Emerson has been contracted to provide engineering, digital automation architecture and process control technologies and claims that its “predictive intelligence” approach will help reduce costs, comply with regulations and meet construction timelines.
The firm previously worked with Lonza on the construction of another manufacturing plant in the country and has provided similar services for the regional life sciences operations of firms like DSM, Biocon and Shanghai CP Guojian Pharmaceutical.
Emerson president Steve Sonnenberg, said that the latest deal is an "example of how companies like Lonza can leverage our global resources and expertise to meet their objectives for safe, reliable, and on-time start-up of new manufacturing facilities."
Predictive architecture
According to Emerson the project will use its PlantWeb development platform and “the experience gained during design and construction of the original facility,” to predict and prevent any process control problems before they arise.
The firm claims that on average its approach to automation control improves the efficiency of manufacturing operations by 2 per cent in terms of throughput, availability and final product quality.
Emerson estimated that the new facility will cost around $350m (€246m) to construct and just over 12 months to complete.
Lonza will also use Emerson products like the DeltaV digital automation system; Fisher and Baumann valves; Rosemount flowmeters and analyzers; Micro Motion Coriolis flowmeters; and Fisher pressure regulators.
