Aldevron, a producer of plasmid DNA, proteins, mRNA and antibodies, is planning an expansion at its 14-acre campus headquarters in Fargo, ND, which will begin in August. Upon completion, the annual capacity will exceed $1 billion of plasmid DNA, RNA, gene editing enzymes, and other biologics. 

The first building will increase Aldevron’s GMP and GMP-Source production capacity up to 10 times its current output. The new 189,000 sq.-ft. building will connect to the existing GMP facility and is expected to be fully operational by 1Q21. In total, three new buildings will be built over the next three to five years to support the rapidly growing field of genetic medicine.

Plans include adding 20,000 sq.-ft. of additional Quality Control and product storage space to Aldevron’s current 70,000 sq.-ft. GMP and GMP-Sourcemanufacturing building, which is among the world’s largest plasmid DNA manufacturing facilities. Another building will add  89,000 sq.-ft., for an administration and client visit center, connected to the manufacturing space. The final building will be a 96,000 sq.-ft. research and development, technical operations and training center. Once complete, the total square footage will be nearly 0.5 million square feet and has potential to employ 1,000 people.

“This plan is designed to serve the biopharmaceutical industry with the world’s most advanced manufacturing platforms for gene and cell therapy,” said Michael Chambers, chief executive officer of Aldevron. “It is an honor for us to provide plasmids, gene editing enzymes, and other biologics to support clinical and commercial applications that our clients are pioneering.” Chambers added that the new campus will also enable large-scale production of novel products like nanoplasmids and minicircles.

“Our industry is growing exponentially. We are building a campus to meet client demand, create a functional and inspiring environment for our staff, and take us to the next level,” said Henry Hebel, chief operating officer for Aldevron. “Our robust expansion plan was designed by listening to and engaging with regulatory agencies, industry professionals and most importantly, our clients. The design decisions promote efficiency and scaling, and the next generation of manufacturing optimization.”