Genzyme Corp. will build an additional manufacturing plant in Geel, Belgium, to support the long-term growth of Myozyme and Lumizyme for Pompe disease. Construction of the new $336 million plant will include 8,000 liters of production capacity and a complete purification installation, as well as room for additional future capacity expansions. Commercial approvals for the new site are expected to start late 2014.

Genzyme currently produces Myozyme and Lumizyme at an adjacent plant in Geel, where it is increasing production capacity to 12,000 liters with the addition of a third bioreactor. Genzyme is also continuing its 160-liter production in the U.S. for patients with infantile-onset Pompe disease. The investment in Geel is part the company’s program to increase its overall biologics manufacturing capacity four fold. About 150 new jobs will be created with the expansion, bringing the total workforce at the site to approximately 600 people.

“The expansion of our Geel facility is a critical element of our manufacturing strategy and is fundamental to our mission,” said Scott Canute, Genzyme’s president, Global Manufacturing and Corporate Operations. “We are committed to delivering a reliable supply of high quality medicines to our patients. This investment ensures continued supply to our patients in the Pompe community for the long term.”

“Our strong track record of results, the expertise and dedication of our workforce along with the partnership with the authorities in Belgium, have been instrumental in bringing this exciting new investment to our site,” said Piet Houwen, general manager of Genzyme’s Geel manufacturing site.