Canton Solothurn and Biogen announce plan to build an advanced Next Generation biologics manufacturing facility in Luterbach
Tuesday, June 30, 2015 - Solothurn and Zug, Switzerland –The Government of Canton Solothurn and Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) announced today the intent to build an advanced next generation biologics manufacturing facility in the Commune of Luterbach. As part of the initial negotiations, Biogen's significant investment will create up to 400 new jobs beginning in 2019. Earlier today the Canton and Biogen signed a pre-contract, confirming the intent to enter into a final contract to build the facility.
Biogen is one of the oldest independent biotechnology companies in the world and was founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1978. The company discovers, develops and delivers innovative therapies that improve the lives of patients with serious neurodegenerative diseases, hematologic conditions and autoimmune disorders. The Company has a range of therapies that make a difference in the lives of patients living with serious medical diseases, including multiple sclerosis and hemophilia. Biogen is relentlessly pursuing new therapies for diseases with few or no treatment options, including Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Biogen employs more than 7,500 people across 30 countries. Recently, the company was named the global biotechnology industry leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and named as the World's Most Green Company in Newsweek Magazine. Last week, Biogen announced that it has achieved carbon neutrality worldwide.
Councilor Esther Gassler from the Department of Economic Affairs of Canton Solothurn stated: "The coming settlement of one of the world's leading biotechnology companies is a great success for our economic promotion. Swiss quality characterizes the Canton Solothurn. Innovation, precision and reliability.»
Natascha Schill, Managing Director of Biogen's Swiss Affiliate, added: "Biogen has long been a leader in the manufacturing of advanced biologics and a partnership with Canton Solothurn gives us the critical elements we need to build one of the most advanced manufacturing facilities in the world. This includes a highly-favorable business environment, critical environmental resources, and access to a highly-qualified workforce. Switzerland is also home to our international headquarters and from a business standpoint this strategic commitment helps us to effectively extend our manufacturing network.
Roland Fürst, deputy President of the Government Council and Head of the Building Department, Canton Solothurn, remarked: «A few years ago, the Canton secured the Borregaard Areal, probably the largest industrial area of Switzerland, as a strategic reserve for long-term development. This paved the way for the settlement of Biogen and the creation of initially up to 400 new jobs.»
Natascha Schill concluded, "We look forward to providing more information about this project with the Canton and Commune residents. We are also excited to share more about our company's commitment to patients, the communities in which we operate, and our belief in working in a sustainable manner. "
The signing of the pre-contract starts a public consultancy process, in which the public will be informed about the project and have the opportunity to provide input. Today, the council of Luterbach has invited the residents for a first public town hall meeting at the end of this week.
About Biogen
Through cutting-edge science and medicine, Biogen discovers, develops, and delivers to patients worldwide innovative therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, hematologic conditions, and autoimmune disorders. Founded in 1978, Biogen is one of the world's oldest independent biotechnology companies, and patients worldwide benefit from its leading multiple sclerosis and innovative hemophilia therapies. For product labeling, press releases and additional information about the company, please visit www.biogen.com.
Biogen Safe Harbor
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the anticipated investment and benefits in connection with planned manufacturing facility in Luterbach, Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland. These statements may be identified by words such as "believe," "expect," "may," "plan," "potential," "will" and similar expressions, and are based on Biogen's current beliefs and expectations. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially include those associated with the execution of a final contract with the Canton and in expanding Biogen's manufacturing capacity and capabilities, including unanticipated delays, costs or other unexpected events, as well as other risks and uncertainties described in the Risk Factors section of Biogen's most recent annual or quarterly report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Biogen assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
CONTACT BIOGEN
Media Contact for the Manufacturing Project Solothurn:
Markus A. Ziegler, Associate Director Market Access & Governmental Affairs Phone +41 41 728 74 36. Email: [email protected]
CONTACT CANTON SOLOTHURN
Media relations officer of the Government Council:
Dagobert Cahannes
Phone +41 32 627 20 70. Cell : +41 79 206 30 10. Email: [email protected]