Suzhou, China - 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."
About BD
BD, a leading global medical technology company that manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents, is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug therapy, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases, and advancing research and discovery of new drugs and vaccines. The Company's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 28,000 people in approximately 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.
This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements (as defined under Federal securities laws) regarding BD's performance, including future revenues, products and income, or events or developments that BD expects to occur or anticipates occurring in the future. All such statements are based upon current expectations of BD and involve a number of business risks and uncertainties. Actual results could vary materially from anticipated results described, implied or projected in any forward-looking statement. Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from any forward-looking statement include, but are not limited to: competitive factors; pricing and market share pressures; changes in interest or foreign currency exchange rates; difficulties inherent in product development and delays in product introductions; changes in regional, national or foreign economic conditions; increases in energy costs; fluctuations in costs and availability of raw materials and in BD's ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships; and changes in healthcare or other governmental regulation; issuance of new or revised accounting standards, as well as other factors discussed in this press release and in BD's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not intend to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof except as required by applicable laws or regulations.
