Datwyler, a global supplier of industrial components, this week celebrated the official opening of its new production plant in Middletown, Del. The plant will create approximately 120 jobs, the majority from the local community, according to the firm’s estimates.
The plant is built around the First Line manufacturing standard, a special process designed to produce rubber components for high-end pharmaceutical and biotech markets in a fully integrated “clean room” environment. This Middletown location is the third by Datwyler to employ the standard, which it says will boost production 50 percent by 2020.
The official opening ceremony took place Thursday, September 27 and was attended by Datwyler’s board of directors, Middletown Mayor Kenneth L. Branner and members of city council.
Construction on the Middletown facility started in December 2016. The company invested $100 million in the development. The facility will be fully operational by the end of the year, with the first production samples expected by Q4 of 2018.
Due to the highly sensitive manufacturing process, the firm also built an adjacent “visitor center” for clients and partners to observe the facility and learn more about the First Line concept from a safe distance.
