Singapore: Thermo Fisher Scientific has opened its new facility in Suzhou, China, for the manufacturing of life sciences consumables and equipment. The facility expands the company's global manufacturing footprint and establishes local production capabilities to meet increased customer demand in China and other Asia Pacific markets.

Since entering the Chinese market 30 years ago, Thermo Fisher Scientific has established a strong R&D, manufacturing and commercial infrastructure in China, becoming one of the largest companies serving the life sciences market in the region.

Most recently, Thermo Fisher invested nearly $20 million in the 12,000 square meter Suzhou plant, which will house more than 150 employees and has room for expansion. From this geographically central location, the new facility will primarily serve the life sciences and pharmaceutical industries, including research, diagnostics and bioproduction, as well as customers in the chemical, environmental and electronics industries.

In Suzhou, Thermo Fisher will manufacture plastic labware and consumables, including sample preparation products and filterware, as well as laboratory refrigerators, freezers, incubators and centrifuges. To ensure an environmentally friendly and safe work environment, the new facility will follow the best global and local manufacturing practices, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 13485 standards.

"China is one of our fastest-growing markets and has been a key contributor to our success," said Mr Marc N Casper, president and CEO, Thermo Fisher Scientific. "The Suzhou facility builds on our well-established presence in China and is an important next step as we closely align our depth of capabilities with China's five-year-plan to develop strategic industries, including pharmaceutical and healthcare among others."