CSL Behring announced plans to invest $15 million to expand its manufacturing facility here by adding a high-speed, single-dose syringe filling line. Plans call for the line to be operational in 2010, when the company intends to contract with its sister company, CSL Biotherapies, to provide filling and packaging services for seasonal influenza vaccine.

CSL Biotherapies anticipates introducing its influenza vaccine to the US beginning with the 2007/08 season. CSL Biotherapies has filed a Biologics License Application (BLA) with the US Food and Drug Administration. The BLA requests that the vaccine be approved to immunize people 18 years of age and older. The approved vaccine will be made available in single-dose, thimerosal-free, pre-filled syringes and in multi-dose vials, providing choice and convenience to caregivers who administer it.

CSL Limited, the parent company of both CSL Behring and CSL Biotherapies, previously announced plans to invest $60 million in plant and equipment to double flu manufacturing capacity at it's Melbourne, Australia facility. "This additional $15 million investment underscores our continuing commitment to the Kankakee site," said Randy Furby, senior vice president and general manager of the facility. "CSL has made a major, long-term commitment to the US vaccine market, and this building plan represents a key part of our overall business strategy." The Kankakee facility currently employs 600 people.

CSL Behring is a global leader in the plasma protein biotherapeutics industry. Passionate about saving and improving the quality of patients' lives, CSL Behring manufactures and markets a range of safe and effective plasma-derived and recombinant products.