Genzyme Corp. plans to build a new biomanufacturing plant in Lyon, France, for the production of Thymoglobulin, a treatment used in transplantation, in order to meet the anticipated long-term demand for the drugs current and potential new indications.

The company is making additional investments in its global manufacturing infrastructure to support the growth of existing products and future products from its late-stage pipeline. Genzyme is completing the development of a new plant in Belgium for the production of monoclonal antibodies and proteins and expanding other facilities, including its Allston Landing protein manufacturing plant in Boston. The company recently received regulatory approvals for a new filling and packaging facility at its manufacturing site in Ireland, the company’s European center for the final production and distribution of a range of products, including Thymoglobulin.

Thymoglobulin’s sales last year were up 17%. The product is currently approved in more than 50 countries for various indications, including the treatment and the prevention of acute rejection of solid organ transplants. Thymoglobulin also has potential in hematological disorders and autoimmune diseases such as diabetes.

The new 140,000-sq.-ft. facility in Lyon will replace the company’s smaller plant in nearby Marcy l’Etoile and will provide more than twice the manufacturing capacity. Approximately 165 people are currently employed at this plant, and Genzyme plans to add 50 jobs once the new facility is operating at full capacity. The project is expected to cost $142 million and construction is expected to begin later this year. Regulatory approvals are expected starting in 2010 and manufacturing is expected to begin in 2011.

“As with our other new facilities, we intend the Lyon plant to serve as a highly visible expression of Genzyme’s purpose, which is to innovate and set new standards in both the products that we develop for patients and in the way that we operate as a company,” said Mark Bamforth, senior vice president for corporate operations.