Ampac Fine Chemicals has announced plans to invest more than $25m USD in its Petersburg, Virginia site, reportedly creating more than 150 new industry jobs. The move reportedly comes as part of the firm’s commitment to help bring high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing operations to the US.
According to the company, the investment will help expand the site’s capabilities in a number of ways. For example, the expansion will create an east coast presence for its Ampac Analytical Labs division, which provides development and testing services for analysis, validation, and release of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and intermediates.
During the expansion, Ampac will work with Phlow, Civica, Virginia Commonwealth University’s Medicines for All Institute to produce essential medicines for US healthcare providers. Ampac plans to contribute by manufacturing the APIs for these treatments.
“High-quality pharmaceutical development and manufacturing are vital to meeting healthcare needs in the US,” said Jeff Butler, president of Ampac Fine Chemicals. “AFC’s Petersburg expansion will create new jobs for the region, new capabilities for Virginia’s growing pharmaceutical industry, and new resources to strengthen the US medical supply chain.”
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam announced the new jobs at the Petersburg site accompanied by other business and government partners, including Petersburg mayor Samuel Parham.
“Ampac’s investment will further advance the pharmaceutical cluster that has emerged in Petersburg and solidify our Commonwealth as a significant player in domestic drug manufacturing,” said Northam. “This critical partnership between Phlow, Medicines for All Institute, Civica, and Ampac will have a positive and far-reaching impact, ensuring greater access to high-quality, life-saving medications while also creating much-needed jobs to support our economic recovery in Virginia.”
Ampac had shuttered the Petersburg facility but reopened it in 2019 as part of its efforts to increase manufacturing of pharmaceutical ingredients and product in the US. The company also has facilities in Texas and California.
