Almac Group breaks ground on $65 million Lower Salford expansion

LOWER SALFORD — A major expansion is underway for the Almac Group at its North American headquarters in Lower Salford. The pharmaceutical development and manufacturing company hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking at the facility on Thursday, Aug. 3.

The $65 million expansion — which will be completed in 2025 — will add a projected 355 new jobs in Montgomery County by 2026. In addition, the company had previously said the project will preserve 1,434 existing jobs.

“Today’s ceremony is a welcome sign of the continuation of growth for the Almac Group. I would like to thank all within the organization for playing their part in our success. We are committed to reinvesting all our profits back into the business, and this expansion in Pennsylvania will play a vital part in our continued growth,” Alan Armstrong, Almac group chairman and CEO, said in a statement.

Details for the addition to the company’s headquarters — known as the Souderton location — were announced last August. The expansion will add 115,000 square feet of new building space to the campus, increasing the current footprint by 50%. When it is finished, the new campus will include 355,000 square feet of space.

The capital investment plan will result in a 60% increase in clinical capacity for Almac’s clients. The additional cold and ultra-low storage and just-in-time processing capabilities are forecasted to support the industry trend towards biologics and advanced therapeutic medicinal products, according to the company.

In addition, construction will follow U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification standards for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings, in keeping with Almac’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2045.

The project will include the installation of a 140-foot pedestrian bridge to minimize impact to the environment on the expanded campus, while enhancing walkability for employees and guests, according to the company.

“Almac is dedicated to ensuring we remain a global leader in our industry, giving our clients, and ultimately patients, across the world the best possible offering. We continue to play our part as a valued and trusted member of the communities in which we operate,” Armstrong added.

In June, Almac announced its global workforce had reached 7,000 — an increase of 1,000 employees in the previous 18 months. The company reported record-breaking financial results — including a 14.3% increase in revenue for the year ending Sept. 20, 2022.

Almac is working with Blue Bell-based Cyma Builders & Construction Managers, for this project.

In addition to its Lower Salford facilities, Almac has locations in Audubon and Lansdale. The company, which has locations worldwide, is based in Northern Ireland.