SK pharmteco (SKPT), a global CDMO, part of SK Inc., is investing $35 million for the initial phase of an expansion plan for SK biotek Ireland’s Dublin-based pharmaceutical manufacturing plant.

This project will provide an increase in site manufacturing capacity and capabilities for its global customer base. The new building will come on-line during 2024, when the Swords Campus will celebrate 60 years as a small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients manufacturer.

Phase 1 of the project will include a new manufacturing building, increasing reactor volume capacity by 26.5 m3, along with filtration and drying equipment, associated utilities, and the capability for additional manufacturing lines and technologies, in subsequent phases of the project.

The new plant will be located on the footprint of a decommissioned production building on site, within close proximity to other site facilities.

The expansion will happen over two phases, with additional funding for subsequent phases. On completion, the expansion will result in an overall 50% increase in capacity at the Swords Campus.

“With substantial growth in our business base, this expansion supports SK biotek Ireland’s position as a key contributor to SKPT’s EU and worldwide business,” said Joyce Fitzharris, president, SK biotek.

This is the second major expansion project in recent years led by director of engineering, Martin O’Halloran. In 2020, Swords Campus completed a $30 million, 14m³ reactor capacity expansion, which included additional isolation and drying equipment, solids handling equipment and associated utilities to meet growing demand.

When asked about the latest project Mr. O’Halloran said, “It is an exciting project for the business and for our customers. It will bring additional manufacturing capacity and capability to deliver pharmaceutical products that meet our customer needs and provide benefits to many patients over the coming years.”