Abbott Labs Expands in Fairfield

by Barbara Smith The Reporter

Abbott Laboratories, a global pharmaceutical healthcare company, is expanding its manufacturing capacity with the purchase of the MLO/Genisoy plant in Fairfield's Solano Business Park.

Abbott Laboratories' Ross Products Division will use the plant to manufacture its nutrition products, including Glucerna and ZonePerfect snack and meal replacement bars. Abbott is planning significant upgrades to the facility and will expand its capacity. Joe Lucchio, Fairfield's economic development project manager, said Abbott is listed in the top 50 businesses of Fortune 500. The firm will eventually mean more jobs to the region, Lucchio said.

All full-time MLO/Genisoy production employees will continue to work for Abbott and many MLO/Genisoy nutrition bars and low-carb products will continue to be manufactured under a copackaging agreement.

The City of Fairfield has worked with Abbott, offering an economic incentive package that includes property-tax rebates and a low-interest loan utilizing Community Development Block Grants. The city is also working with several state agencies to provide Abbott with additional funding for customizing worker training programs, according to a prepared release.