Contributed by
the city of Auburn/
By David D. Dorton
SiO2 Materials Science has announced plans to invest $123 million in an expansion of its Auburn facility.
This expansion will allow SiO2 to increase the production capacity of its innovative vials and syringes that are critically needed in the fight against COVID-19, helping bring critical pharmaceutical component manufacturing back to the United States.
In July 2020, SiO2 announced a $163 million expansion that included a 70,000-square-foot injection molding facility expansion. This newest investment will expand its facility at 2425 Innovation Dr. to a total of 185,000 square feet.
Over the last 10 years, SiO2 has developed its patented vial platform, which combines a plastic container with a microscopic, pure glass coating on the inside that is ideal for biological drugs and vaccines. The product, developed in Auburn with help of the leading professors from four of the top major U.S. research institutions, combines the benefits of both glass and plastic without the drawbacks.
“The partnership with the city of Auburn has been an important component of SiO2’s ability to quickly deploy our innovative technology when it is needed most,” said Ken Kelly, chief technology officer at SiO2. “This expansion will provide us with the capacity we need to fulfill the growing demand of our customers.”
SiO2 products are being used worldwide. The company has become a world leader in packaging for the pharmaceutical industry, specifically for biological drugs and DNA and mRNA vaccines, helping save lives around the world with its innovative technology.
“SiO2 is a great success story of what is possible when private industry, a major university, the local community and the state all work together,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “The city of Auburn is one of the places across the country where that can happen. We are proud to have SiO2 in Auburn. I can say with confidence that we will see the powerful economic impact of such an innovative organization for our community in the years to come.”
SiO2 employs over 450 people in excellent, well-paying jobs. Its success in Auburn has been supported through strong partnerships with the city of Auburn, the state of Alabama, Auburn University as well as strong financial support provided through the Retirement Systems of the State of Alabama.