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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Charles River Laboratories International Expands Charleston County, South Carolina, Operations

08/26/2025
Charles River Laboratories International, a drug discovery, development, testing and manufacturing solutions provider, plans to expand its operations in Charleston County, South Carolina.

The $13 million project will include the construction of a new cleanroom at the company’s existing site and the installation of automation equipment to produce cartridges for its portable testing system (PTS), as well as its multi-cartridge system (MCS).

“Investing in advanced manufacturing is more than just increasing efficiency, it reflects our company’s commitment to being at the forefront of technology in a rapidly evolving environment. Automation allows us to produce our products with the greatest precision, consistency and safety. It also gives our teams the opportunity to focus on high-value work,” said Charles River Laboratories Charleston Site Senior Director Niall Power.

“Charles River Laboratories’ announcement is another great boost for South Carolina’s thriving life sciences industry. Congratulations to Charleston County on this $13 million expansion,” Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III noted.

Charles River provides products and services to help expedite the discovery, early-stage development and manufacture of drugs and therapeutics. The company’s proprietary, FDA-licensed cartridge technology reduces the need for limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) or recombinant raw materials by 95% compared to traditional testing methods, while reducing hands-on time (HOT) and, ultimately, technician variability.

“By investing in advanced manufacturing and automation, Charles River Laboratories solidifies its future, fortifies our local economy, and sets a powerful precedent for the innovative businesses flourishing throughout Charleston County,” added Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Merle Johnson. “The continued growth of the life sciences sector is a testament to the strong business environment and skilled workforce we have cultivated."

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