Solano EDC Board members got a sneak preview tour of Genentech’s new $1.2 billion manufacturing facility in Vacaville on Sept. 27. The new facility represents the world’s largest biotechnology manufacturing plant and adds to Solano County’s rising role as a premier location for the biotech industry.
Mike Ammann, president of EDC, pointed out that the facility demonstrates Genentech’s faith in Solano County. He did, however, make it clear that California’s inability to provide alternative methods of taxation to retain, grow, and attract major capital investment is a real danger to the state’s economic future.
Because of California’s inaction, for example, Vacaville lost Phase III of the Genentech campus valued at $250 million to Portland, Oregon. The packaging and distribution of the medical products produced in Vacaville will be handled in Oregon.
Charles Calderaro, VP & General Manager, of Genentech Vacaville Product Operations, confirmed Ammann’s views and concerns about the state’s role in future of manufacturing, and said it would be a shame for California—the birthplace of the biotech industry—to now lose out on opportunities for reap the benefits from this expanding industry.
The new Vacaville facility will be operation in 2009. Currently it is in the final phases of equipment installation, calibration, testing and staff training. In addition to the new manufacturing complex, Genentech has also announced and plans to break ground this fall for a new research and development center in Dixon.
