Contract pharma firm Almac will add 312 jobs in Montgomery County

Almac Group, based in Northern Ireland, plans to expand its existing 240,000-square-foot Souderton facility and lease an additional 26,000 square feet in office space in nearby Lansdale.

The new jobs will be in the sciences, clinical services and clinical technologies, and pharmaceutical services, the company said.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development offered funding that included a $1.56 million "first program" grant for new machine lines, computer equipment, software and an enlarged cold storage area. The project was coordinated by the Governor's Action Team.

Gov. Wolf said Almac has committed to creating 310 new jobs over the next three years, and to retaining 1,110 current employees.

"Due to significant industry demand for our services, it is essential we build capacity and increase head count to ensure we continue to complete at a global level," said Almac CEO Alan Armstrong. "This year, we are celebrating our 20th year in the U.S., and having experienced tremendous success we are excited to make a further commitment in the Montgomery County area."

In 2007, Almac made Souderton its U.S. headquarters, and invested $100 million at the time, retained 495 jobs and created 264 new jobs, Wolf said.

Almac serves the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries with research and development, manufacturing of pharmaceutical ingredients, drug formulation, and clinical trial supplies.  The company employs more than 4,500 worldwide in Europe and North America.