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CARIBBEAN BUSINESS

Wyeth Ayerst Undergoes $105 Million Expansion

Guayama investment will add 100 to 150 jobs

BY LIDA ESTELA RUAÑO

June 7, 2001
Copyright © 2001 CARIBBEAN BUSINESS. All Rights Reserved.

Wyeth Ayerst Pharmaceuticals Inc. is undergoing a $105 million expansion at its Guayama site, which will add 150,000 square feet to its existing 1.1 million-square-foot plant.

In 14 months, when the extension is expected to be fully operational, the company will hire 100 to 150 additional employees.

The expansion consists of two large buildings. The first is a 60,000-square-foot facility where Caltrate vitamins will be produced. Sources said it would be ready in about six months, at a cost of $30 million, of which some $20 million covers cost of construction and the rest will be used on equipment.

A 90,000-square-foot building will permit more ample production of Efexor, an anti-depressant. Sources said it would adjoin an existing structure, construction of which is expected to take 14 months at a cost of $55 million, another $20 million will be used for equipment.

Wyeth Ayerst Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a subsidiary of American Home Products Corp. (AHP), based in Farm Madison, N.J. Of all three AHP plants in Puerto Rico, the largest by far is in Guayama, covering 140 acres in Barrio Jobos. The plant exports 30% of its production to the international market and 70% to the States.

Among the products manufactured in Guayama are company blockbuster Premarin—used for menopause and the prevention of osteoporosis—with annual sales of $1.8 billion. Other products include Gestoden, Sonata, Lodine, Alesse, Triphasil, Inderal, Isordil, Advil, Axid, Orudis, and Dristan.

The other two local AHP plants are in Carolina. Lederle Parenterals Inc. manufactures injectable products, including Zozyn and Novantione. Lederle Piperacillin Inc. produces synthetic penicillin and Minocin. Earlier this year, Wyeth Ayrest announced a $50 million expansion of the Carolina plant.

This Caribbean Business article appears courtesy of Casiano Communications.
For further information please contact
www.casiano.com

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