Daiichi Sankyo acquires first US-based packaging and manufacturing facility
The company expects the facility, located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, to be fully operational in the summer or early autumn of 2011. It is expected to provide packaging solutions for a number of marketed products in DFI's portfolio, including Benicar, Welchol and Azor.
According to DSI, the 140,000 square foot facility - previously owned by global packaging firm, Amcor - will enable it to “leverage existing resources to more cost effectively supplement its operations rather than build a new facility.”
“This acquisition diversifies our company's capabilities and allows us to streamline our operations by exerting greater control over the life cycle of our products,” said Jeff Lane, vice president of operations for DSI, “We are excited to be opening a facility in Bethlehem and look forward to a productive future working relationship and becoming part of the local community.”
National search
In selecting the site, DSI conducted a rigorous nationwide site search with consultants, McCallum Sweeney. The aim was to identify a facility that mirrored the company's packaging goals and specifications.
After a national screening of 62 sites and 48 communities, spanning 12 states, the company selected the Bethlehem site for renovation and refurbishment. DSI says it plans to hire around 80 new employees and hopes to create a “positive economic impact through related purchasing of goods and services from local businesses.”
Amcor withdrawal
Aside from the obvious benefits to DSI, locals will welcome news of the plant's resurrection following Amcor's decision in June of 2010 to pull out of Bethlehem, which resulted in the loss of 100 jobs.
Pennsylvania governor, Tom Corbett, said DSI's buyout and subsequent decision to keep the plant open echoed his administration's aims to create jobs for Pennsylvanians.
“Creating and protecting family-sustaining jobs in Pennsylvania is one of this administration's highest priorities, so I'm pleased to announce Daiichi Sankyo's decision to select PA as the site for its first ever US packaging and manufacturing plant,” he said.
“This project will have a definite positive impact on the Lehigh Valley region.”
Jeff Lane paid testament to Corbett's role in facilitating the deal, saying: “The governor's Action Team, Lehigh Valley Economic Corporation, the Northampton County and City of Bethlehem were invaluable partners in helping to make this milestone possible.”
