SiO2 Materials Science opened a production complex in Auburn, Alabama. The facility will manufacture unique vials which will play an integral role in the storage and distribution of Moderna’s vaccine.

The company launched a $163 million expansion project at its Auburn facility this summer to ramp up production of its proprietary vial system after securing a major contract to supply the federal government with vials to support the COVID-19 vaccine effort.

“The container that this vaccine is in has to be so pure and perfect that it doesn’t have a negative effect on the vaccine,” said Robert Abrams, founder and CEO of SiO2. “It’s a very complicated product. There is no one else in the world who could make it. This is just the beginning of a whole industry in Auburn, and the science developed there is protected by 300 worldwide patents and 6,000 patent claims.”

“This day marks an important moment for Alabama and for SiO2, whose high-tech vials will be used in the delivery of a vaccine that will help end the COVID-19 pandemic,” Governor Kay Ivey said. “The technical accomplishments of SiO2 demonstrate to the world the kind of highly innovative and groundbreaking work that is being done in Alabama. We’re very grateful for this achievement and this company.”

SiO2’s expansion project was supported by the Alabama Department of Commerce and the City of Auburn. The Retirement Systems of Alabama provided early financial support for the company.

“SiO2’s innovative vials represent a key strategic advantage for federal agencies by enabling them to act rapidly to distribute a vaccine to counter the coronavirus,” added Greg Canfield, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “SiO2’s work will save many lives and help get our country’s economy back on track.”