Charles River Laboratories in Spencerville has a global reach.
SPENCERVILLE — Charles River Laboratories is a global contract research organization that provides preclinical and clinical laboratory services for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries.
The Charles River Labs’ Spencerville facility is one of 22 preclinical research facilities across the globe. A pre-clinical laboratory is a facility that conducts research and experiments to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new drugs, medical devices and treatments before testing in humans.
The work of a pre-clinical laboratory typically involves study design, drug development, testing, data analysis and reporting. The facility in Spencerville provides toxicology services that are critically important to patients across the globe.
Founded in 1947, the company is headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, and operates in more than 20 countries worldwide. The Spencerville facility started as Springborn Laboratories in 1976. In 2002, Charles River purchased Springborn for $27 million.
Currently, there are more than 11,600 drug products in preclinical development, including for cancer, diabetes, and rare diseases. Over the last three years, Charles River supported more than 80% of drugs approved by the Federal Drug Administration.
To meet the growing demand for research across the world, the company plans to add approximately 88,000 square feet of laboratory and administrative space, which will include a Center of Excellence facility, where swine research will be the primary focus. Charles River Laboratories in Spencerville expects to create 105 full-time positions, generating $6.6 million in new annual payroll and retaining $15.1 million in existing payroll as a result of the company’s expansion project. Once complete, the location will be one of the top swine preclinical research facilities in the world. All construction should be completed and ready for occupancy by July.
In choosing to expand in Spencerville, the company cited its outstanding and experienced workforce, as well as the pipeline of talent coming from the regional universities, as contributing factors in its site location decision. The western Ohio location enables them to employ doctorate-level talent from the regional universities in the region.
In the past year, employees have volunteered 973 hours for charitable purposes and donated more than $38,000 to a number of local organizations, including several local elementary and high school music and sports programs, Allen County Children’s Services, equestrian therapy programs, local oncology organizations, the American Cancer Society and countywide agricultural programs.
Since 1976, the labs in Spencerville have seen new technologies advance as new diseases emerge. Charles River Laboratories has evolved into a worldwide network working with many diseases and cures, advancing human health by supporting research every step of the way.
CELEBRATING OUR SPIRIT
Plenty of foods, items and ideas are created right here in the Lima region. Celebrating Our Spirit looks at those organizations that make the area such a vibrant place to live, work and play.
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Reach Dean Brown at 567-242-0409
