MSD Animal Health begins work on expanded Boxmeer site

MSD Animal Health has broken ground on a new vaccine manufacturing unit in the Netherlands, which is intended to support its international operations.

Work has commenced on the $18 million (11 million pounds) expansion at the Biosciences Center Boxmeer campus, which will double the capacity of its tissue culture department.

The construction is intended to be completed by 2013 and will allow for the creation of antigens for viral and parasitological vaccines in greater quantity and with improved efficiency.

It will help the company to respond to an expected increase in demand for veterinary vaccines, while also improving its preparedness for outbreaks of emerging diseases.

Dr John McCubbins, senior vice-president for animal health manufacturing, said: "Animal health is an important part of Merck's business going forward and the company is committed to the strategic development of the animal health business."

MSD Animal Health is the new name for Intervet/Schering-Plough, having been rebranded by parent company Merck Sharpe and Dohme last month.