Hitachi Chemical cuts ribbon on manufacturing space in Allendale — and promise of 500 jobs

Manufacturing in New Jersey got another boost Wednesday, when Hitachi Chemical’s Advanced Therapeutics Solutions cut the ribbon on its new facility in Allendale — one that company officials say will bring 500 new jobs in the coming years.

The new HCATS facility in Allendale.

Advanced Therapeutics Solutions is a subsidiary of Hitachi Chemical. Company officials said the new facility is the company’s first to be designed from the ground up to meet the unique needs of commercial cell and gene therapy products, and more than doubles HCATS’ existing manufacturing capacity in New Jersey.

The facility currently includes six classified environment rooms, with the capacity to add more rooms that can be specifically configured to accommodate growing client needs. The facility also includes state-of-the-art manufacturing development laboratories, quality control and microbiological laboratories, warehousing, executive offices and meeting space. The company’s ongoing investment in facility expansion complements ongoing investments in the company’s quality systems and commercial expertise, all with the aim of meeting its commitments to existing clients with near-term expectations for commercial product manufacturing.

CEO Robert Preti said the facility will offer a state-of-the-art resource for clients looking to commercialize cell and gene therapies.

“Access to this type of manufacturing space is needed across the industry to ensure the continued growth and momentum of these promising therapeutics,” he said in a release. “This facility will require up to 500 more employees to reach full operational capacity over the next several years, supporting our growing roster of clients.”

Gov. Phil Murphy said the company’s expansion goes along with his goals of improving the state’s innovative economy.

“I am excited for Hitachi Chemical Advanced Therapeutics Solutions’ future in New Jersey, and I have no doubt that their new, state-of-the-art facility will not only help New Jersey residents, but also contribute to expanding the innovation economy by bringing up to 500 new jobs to our state,” he said. “With our highly educated and diverse workforce, New Jersey is the perfect location for expanding biotech firms like Hitachi Chemical.”