Lohmann Animal Health boosts live vaccine production in US

Lohmann Animal Health International has launched a US$6-million expansion project in Winslow, Maine, to cater to ever-increasing customer demand for live vaccines.

Lohmann Animal Health International has produced live vaccines in the US for a number of years, but due to increasing sales globally, there is an immediate need for additional production capacity. The live product line includes vaccines for Avian Encephalomyelitis, Infectious Bursal Disease, Infectious Bronchitis, Newcastle Disease, Infectious Laryngotracheitis, Mycoplama Gallisepticum, and Salmonella Typhimurium.

"The demand for our live vaccines continues to grow, and this expansion is going to give us another 6,000 square feet of space and allow us to fulfil those global distribution needs more quickly," Lohmann Animal Health International CEO Dave Zacek said.

The expansion includes a new 4,840 square foot egg incubation area with new hatchers and setters and a state-of-the-art fumigation system needed for the production of the vaccine. In addition, a 1,120 square foot space will be added to accommodate a 45,000 vial freeze dryer. The expansion, which will add up to five new employees, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

In June, Lohmann Animal Health dedicated its new research & development, animal service administration and biological production centres, which were part of a three-year US$8.8 million expansion project that began in 2008.