Sartorius to expand pharmaceutical plant in Puerto Rico

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Puerto Rico's governor says pharmaceutical supplier Sartorius is investing $50 million to expand its plant in the U.S. territory and convert it to its main logistical hub for the Americas.

Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla said Tuesday that the Germany-based company expects to create 350 new jobs in the next five years and step up production of membranes for lab tests and manufacturing of aseptic storage bags. The plant in the southwest town of Yauco now has 420 workers.

Garcia said the expansion was made possible with $5.4 million in government incentives.

It is the second expansion announced this month related to the island's manufacturing sector, which has declined amid a 10-year economic slump. Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. is investing nearly $80 million to expand its plant in Puerto Rico.