News Summary
Ecolab has unveiled a new bioprocessing applications lab in King of Prussia, enhancing its support for biopharma clients in the purification of biotherapeutic molecules. Located in a former Purolite facility, the lab is equipped with advanced tools for process development and aims to expedite the commercialization of life-saving therapies. With an investment of $40 million, Ecolab expects to create additional jobs and strengthen its position in the biopharmaceutical market.
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania — Ecolab has launched a new bioprocessing applications lab in King of Prussia, designed specifically to assist biopharma customers with applications and process development for the purification of biotherapeutic molecules. This facility will enhance Ecolab’s capability to support large biopharma organizations through all phases of development, including commercialization, and is expected to play a critical role in accelerating the delivery of life-saving therapies to the market.
The bioprocessing lab is located within Ecolab’s existing 74,000-square-foot facility, which originally operated under the Purolite brand before Ecolab acquired it in 2021. This acquisition was part of a $3.7 billion transaction, expanding Ecolab’s reach in the life sciences sector. The King of Prussia facility employs approximately 75 people and has recently seen substantial investments to meet the increasing demand for biotherapeutic purification services. Local reports indicate the total construction cost of the facility was around $40 million.
Strategically situated near numerous pharmaceutical operations along the East Coast, the new lab features high-throughput process development tools and chromatography columns suitable for large-scale manufacturing. The lab is designed to provide comprehensive support for both small-scale and full commercial production processes, which is crucial as it can help characterize alternative resins to reduce manufacturing costs and support regulatory submissions.
To prepare for the lab’s opening, a pilot program began at the end of 2024, yielding successful results that laid the groundwork for future operations. Ecolab’s life sciences division is headquartered in King of Prussia, allowing for close collaboration with existing capabilities in the region. The new lab is anticipated to create up to 75 additional jobs when fully staffed.
Prior to its acquisition by Ecolab, Purolite was a well-established corporation with approximately $400 million in annual sales. The addition of the bioprocessing lab is seen as a significant milestone for Ecolab in establishing global partnerships in bioprocessing and responding proactively to an evolving market.
The first product expected to roll out from this new facility will be used in the treatment of high cholesterol, with necessary raw materials being shipped from Purolite’s plant located in Romania. This strategic planning ensures that Ecolab’s services remain agile and efficient, allowing for rapid response to market needs and enhancing the support offered to biopharma clients.
As the lab becomes operational, it promises to strengthen Ecolab’s position in the competitive landscape of bioprocessing and biopharmaceutical development, marking a critical step forward in the enhancement of biopharma support capabilities.
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