CSL Seqirus, one of the world's largest influenza vaccine companies, has engaged BESIX Watpac on an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) basis in 2020 to provide constructability, programming and cost planning advice for Project Banksia, their new advanced-manufacturing biopharmaceutical facility in Melbourne, Australia, with construction commencing earlier this year.
Once complete, Project Banksia, will deliver a state-of-the-art facility that will use innovative cell-based technology to produce influenza vaccines for use in both influenza pandemics and seasonal vaccination programs. The new facility will also produce unique products important to Australia’s public health needs – including antivenom for Australian snakes, spiders and marine creatures, and the world’s only human vaccine for Q-Fever.
BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker said the project was of both national and global significance, and will be an important addition to the global influenza manufacturing supply chain.
“We will also construct the additional ancillary buildings including administration and PC2 and PC3 quality assurance laboratories, Just in Time warehouses, and central utilities plant areas, which support the manufacturing facilities.”