“After many years of building a strong research and development base, along with a fine sales force and excellent technical support, we are investing in our future growth with the opening of this new production facility,” said Dr. Arnaud Bourgeois, Vice President and Global Director of Biology at Ceva Santé Animale.  “Increased demand for Ceva vaccines, plus the ability to create and utilize new vaccine technology not available from competitors made this the perfect time to build our new facility.”

Ceva Santé Animale purchased Lenexa-based Biomune Company in 2005, creating Ceva Animal Health as its US subsidiary.  The purchase secured a strong foundation in research with Vectormune vaccines along with an aging manufacturing plant.  With the opening of its new $18M facility, Ceva is poised to fill a global market need with high-quality vaccines.  “Today, what we output is almost entirely for the domestic market,” explains Bourgeois, “ The new facility will double our domestic output while also allowing for expansion globally.” The existing plant will be renovated as part of Ceva’s long-term investment plan and is designated for a stand-alone custom vaccine project. 

Ceva is well-known for its dedication to providing animal health products and services that ultimately benefit humans.  The Biomune Campus’s contribution to the “One Health” effort is clear: poultry vaccines keep the world’s food supply safe and sufficient to meet the needs of an ever-growing population. “We continue to invest in our people and our facilities in order to innovate and therefore ensure that our products and services have a direct impact in improving global health,” said Marc Prikazsky, Chief Executive Officer of Ceva Santé Animale.

Ceva's new facility features:

• 55,000 square feet of innovative technology and automated systems
• State-of-the-art operations to ensure vaccine quality and consistent, safe supply
• Future physical plant growth/expansion opportunities
• Capability to product both standard and vector vaccines
• Career opportunities for 80 new production, research and development staff by 2015

- ENDS -

Notes to editors:

About Ceva: CEVA Santé Animale is a global veterinary health company focused on the research, development, production and marketing of pharmaceutical products and vaccines for pets, livestock, swine and poultry. Visit: www.ceva.com

Images:

• Ceva’s New Production Facility, located at 8915 Rosehill Road, Lenexa, KS 66215
• Ceva logo

Other details, information, photos on request from:

Amy Zlatic, Group Communication Manager – North America
Ceva Animal Health
Office: 636-923-2153
Cell: 314-604-0992
amy.zlatic@ceva.com

 Ceva Fast Facts

• New plant: 55,000 square feet
• Ceva’s investment in physical plant: $18 million
• 80 new research & development positions by 2015
• Current Lenexa employee count: 185

  o  171 at the Biomune Campus
   o  14 North American Zone Headquarters

• Years Ceva has invested in Lenexa, starting with purchase of Biomune Company: 6