Roche Carolina Inc. (RCI) has announced plans to expand its Florence, SC pharmaceutical manufacturing facility. The $60 million investment will involve the construction of a new multi-purpose production unit in an existing manufacturing building. The expansion will help enable Roche to meet production needs for current and future life-saving medications, according to a company statement. As a result of this investment, 25 to 30 new positions are expected to be created at the facility.

Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2007 with completion by the end of 2008. An estimated 200 construction-related jobs, many to be provided through local contractors, will be required for the project.

"The decision to invest in Florence is a reflection of our past success and the willingness of Florence and South Carolina to encourage the growth of existing industry," said Dr. Frank Cox, president and general manager of Roche Carolina Inc. "We are grateful to the community for its support and recognition of the underlying importance of our business to improving human health."

Roche Carolina Inc., a pharmaceutical process development and bulk active ingredient manufacturing company, is an affiliate of the multinational group of companies headed by Roche Holding Ltd. of Basel, Switzerland.