LAHI adding to its Gainesville operation

GAINESVILLE - Gainesville-based Lohmann Animal Health International (LAHI) is planning to add a new packaging and labeling facility to its Gainesville operation.

Officials say the expansion may result in some the staff from a New Jersey facility relocating to Gainesville, but the number is not known right now. The Gainesville plant will continue to serve as LAHI's distribution center.

LAHI plans to consolidate its manufacturing operations to the company's recently renovated and modernized facility in Waterville, Me. Many of the 45 employees at LAHI's aging production facility in Vineland, N.J., will be offered positions at the Waterville plant.

"This consolidation will capture the synergies of the product lines of Vineland Laboratories the Maine Biological Laboratories," LAHI President Dave Zacek said. "Since purchasing and merging these two vaccine companies in 2000, we've taken steps to streamline our operations, and this will further strengthen our company as we move forward with our poultry health initiatives."

.LAHI is a member of the PHW Group, which comprises 30 companies that produce avian vaccines and poultry for the global market.