Waters now plans to significantly expand its precision chemistry operation in Taunton, Massachusetts with an investment of around  $215 million. The comes in following the recent approval by its board of directors  to build and equip a new state-of-the-art facility that will support rising global customer demand, as well as ongoing innovation in chemistry technology.

The company's Taunton, Massachusetts site is responsible for bulk synthesis of chromatographic media which is critical to sample analysis for pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, materials, food, clinical and biomedical research applications.

"Our portfolio of innovative precision chemistry products is critical to scientific advancements in the life, materials and food sciences. The facility expansion will ensure customers continue to benefit from the most innovative chromatography particle R&D and the highest quality production in the industry," said Christopher J. O'Connell, Waters Corporation Chairman and CEO.

The project is a noteworthy example of the company’s  capital allocation strategy, which prioritizes investing for long term growth and innovation. The return on this investment will be enhanced by the company's access to capital following US tax reform, as well as the strong partnership of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the City of Taunton, he added.

The company plans to employ LEED certification standards as well as state-of-the-art manufacturing and process technology to construct a new center-of-excellence that meets output, cost, quality and sustainability objectives. Specific plans remain subject to refinement, however the company expects the new plant will be operational by 2022. Until then, the existing Taunton facility will fully meet operational and growth needs.

Waters, the world's leading specialty measurement company, has pioneered chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis innovations for the pharma sector among others. With approximately 7,000 employees worldwide, it operates directly in 31 countries, including 15 manufacturing facilities, and with products available in more than 100 countries.