Pharma-Bio Industry North American Project Starts Top $5 Billion in First Quarter

Reported by Annette Kreuger, Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--As the first quarter of 2018 gathers steam, the Pharmaceutical-Biotech Industry is projected to launch more than $5 billion worth of North American projects through the end of March. This cash injection represents a 66% leap over the first-quarter 2017 figure of $3.1 billion. Many of the first-quarter 2018 projects involve manufacturing expansions.

The forecast investment in capital and maintenance (MRO) spending is spread out over 509 projects, averaging $10 million per project. Of the first-quarter kick-offs, $527 million (349 projects) are for maintenance, with an average project total investment value (TIV) of $1.5 million. The first quarter's remaining $5.05 billion will be invested in 160 capital projects, with a $31.5 million average TIV.

Click on the image at right for a chart showing first-quarter project kick-offs by region.

In terms of regional ranking, the Northeast is at the top with a potential $1.3 billion in project starts. The Great Lakes places second with $995 million, followed by the Midwest at $742 million. The remainder of the activity is spread throughout North America.

Click here for the 2018 North America Pharmaceutical & Biotech Industry Outlook.

Reported first-quarter projects are sourced out of both the public and private sectors, covering manufacturing and research facilities. A sampling of the projects includes a $1 million scheduled maintenance shutdown at the Neutrogena plant in Los Angeles, California. The 3-5 day event will include inspection and repairs to liquids, gels, creams and oil production suites. The plant produces 60 million units per year. For more information, see Industrial Info's project report.

In New Albany, Ohio, PharmaForce Incorporated plans to launch a $145 million expansion of its generic injectables contract manufacturing (CMO) plant. Plans call for expanding the existing 110,000-square-foot facility with the construction of an additional 140,000-square-foot building. Project team members include Integrated Project Services (Blue Bell, Pennsylvania) and Ruscilli Construction Company (Columbus, Ohio). For more information, see Industrial Info's project report.

A number of factors will impact the final first quarter kick-off figures. All projects, in all phases, up to and including start of construction, are subject to delays or schedule changes. Some will start on time as reported, while others could be moved out, put on hold or cancelled. Conversely, others not originally scheduled to begin until a later date, will sometimes launch early. Adding to the mix are previously unknown projects that are uncovered and reported.

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