Devens R&D Site Expansion Continues

December 14, 2011 : Worcester Business Journal, by Brandon Butler

Newburyport-based specialty chemical products manufacturer PCI Synthesis has filled 20 new positions at its Devens research and development plant in the past quarter and hopes to add five more in early 2012, according to company officials.

PCI manufactures chemicals and pharmaceutical ingredients for drugs that are in clinical trials.

During the past three months, the company has ramped up its R&D facility in Devens, where about 25 people work. It has added 20 new workers, most of whom work in Devens, and about half of whom have doctorate degrees, according to Don Dickison, director of business development for the company.

The company employs 91 people, and has openings for another five positions, he said.

In addition to the new employees, the company has installed new research hoods and other equipment at the Devens site.

PCI Synthesis has a collaboration with Biogen Idec – whose domestic headquarters is in Weston – to help the company produce new compounds.