Cellares, an innovative cell therapy manufacturing company, has announced a $255 million series C fundraise to launch its new 118,000-sq. ft. manufacturing site in Bridgewater, New Jersey, which is expected to create up to 350 local jobs.
 
To commemorate the opening of this facility, Cellares hosted local dignitaries for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, January 29th, to celebrate its forthcoming contributions to the local economy and support for cell therapy patients in need.
 
“We’re excited to welcome Cellares to the life sciences hub of New Jersey,” said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “These are the kinds of businesses that our economic development team is committed to bringing to Somerset County.”

About the Smart Factory

Cellares is moving into 95 Corporate Drive in Bridgewater, the building formerly occupied by Pfizer. The company describes the new facility as “a Smart Factory.”
 
“The opening of this facility marks a tremendous milestone towards Cellares’ mission of accelerating access to life-saving cell therapies to meet total global patient demand,” said John Tomtishen, Sr. Vice President and General Manager of the Bridgewater IDMO Smart Factory. “We look forward to partnering with the state and local community to create 350 job opportunities for highly talented individuals as we bring the facility online to manufacture tens of thousands of cell therapy drug products per year.”
 
The facility will integrate “advanced robotics, purpose-built technology, and interconnected software” that “will be capable of producing 40,000 cell therapy batches per year.” This will ultimately enable developers to effectively scale up manufacturing so no patient on the waitlist dies while waiting for a life-saving cell therapy.
 
“Not only does Cellares join a thriving Life Sciences industry here, but they reinforce the fact that many of the cures needed by the world come from Somerset County,” said Jessica Paolini, Manager of Economic Development for Somerset County. “We are investing in infrastructure critical to the growth and retention of the life sciences, including a recent $3 million investment towards a new training program at Raritan Valley Community College, which will produce the talent needed by cell and gene therapy companies like Cellares.”