MSD Animal Health expands vaccine manufacturing site in US

MSD Animal Health has improved its global infrastructure for growth with the creation of new vaccine manufacturing capabilities at a site in the US.

The veterinary medicines firm's Elkhorn Biotechnology Excellence Center has received a $13.5 million (8.4 million pounds) investment to expand its aseptic filling capacity for liquid and lyophilised animal biological products.

It involves the addition of 6,200 sq ft of renovated and new production space, additional warehouse and technical support capabilities, plus a pair of integrated vaporous hydrogen peroxide disinfection chambers.

This investment in state-of-the-art manufacturing technology in Nebraska will help to support sales activities in 52 different countries and guarantee high product quality.

Dr John McCubbins, senior vice-president for animal health manufacturing at the company, 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."

This comes after it was announced last month that Richard DeLuca Jr will become the new president of MSD Animal Health from September 15th 2011.