AMRI has finished the construction of a new state-of-the-art chemistry R&D facility in Budapest, Hungary. The successful completion and move into 32,300 sq. ft. of laboratory and administrative space is part of the company’s plan, initiated in 2008, to transform its European hub into a higher value discovery services business through consolidation of multiple locations, equipment and operating costs.

The new site provides capacity for the anticipated expansion of synthetic chemistry services, currently projected to double over the next five years.The facility also includes a scale-up laboratory for non-GMP synthesis for batch sizes as large as 25 liters. AMRI also contends it will offer “significant improvements in operational efficiencies and enhanced technology transfer.”

“The successful completion of this expansion increases the ability of AMRI to execute on its strategy to accelerate growth and expand its presence in the European marketplace,” said chairman, chief executive officer and president Thomas E. D’Ambra, Ph.D. “Critical to the decision to undertake this project was the company’s drive to cultivate a customer base relatively untapped. We believe this latest investment, along with our parallel investments in the US, India and Singapore, will further strengthen AMRI’s presence as a premier provider of a broad range of scientific services, capabilities and geographic choices around the globe.”