BD Opens New Manufacturing Facility in Suzhou, China to Produce Rapid Diagnostic Products

BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), a leading global medical technology company, will celebrate today the opening of its second world-class manufacturing facility in Suzhou. The new BD Diagnostics facility produces rapid diagnostic products for flu and viral infections, responding to the need for clinical testing and rapid diagnosis. The facility, which is expected to support an estimated 700 jobs in the local community when operating at full capacity, is located in Suzhou Export Processing Zone District B in the Suzhou Industrial Park.

The products manufactured at the new facility are used to diagnose infectious diseases such as influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Over time, BD expects to expand the range of diseases these products can diagnose to include additional bacterial, parasitic and viral diseases. These products will be sold in regions around the world, including Asia, Europe, Latin America and North America.

BD constructed its first facility in Suzhou Industrial Park in 1995 to support the BD Medical business.The second facility, supporting BD Diagnostics, is expected to begin production during BD’s second quarter of 2008.

“The BD plant will manufacture high-quality products that benefit millions of people around the world, in line with our corporate purpose of ‘Helping all people live healthy lives,’” said Mike Meehan, President, BD Diagnostics - Rapid Diagnostics.

“The Rapid Diagnostics plant is another example of BD’s commitment to China,” said Linda Lin, Country General Manager, BD - China. “With the opening of this facility in China, BD continues to bring innovative medical technology products to the world market. The quality, work ethic and drive of our associates in China were key elements in our decision to expand here.”