By Lance Henderson
Viva Biopharm USA, a subsidiary of British Columbia-based Viva Pharmaceutical, recently broke ground on a $30 million complex on eight acres along Odell Road in Blaine.
The two-year project will erect three buildings with more than 200,000 square feet.
According to the company’s Web site, the Blaine facility will primarily be used for manufacturing pharmaceuticals and “inventing new drugs and advanced technologies.”
David Ko, vice president of Viva Pharmaceutical, said there is a huge market for dietary supplements, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in the United States and the company is simply positioning themselves to capitalize on that market.
“We are currently based in Canada and for regulatory purposes, it is easier on us to have a U.S. facility and we get better access to the customer,” he said.
While Ko said he is excited about what the facility will do for the business, he is also proud that that building will provide between 150 and 300 jobs in Whatcom County upon completion.
Bellingham-based Credo Construction will be the project’s general contractor. For this project, Credo will employ a new patented concrete tilt-up system called Hi-Tech Tilt, which uses approximately 70 percent less concrete than standard tilt-up wall systems.
“This system provides optimal strength and stability for the walls while significantly reducing use of building materials,” said Todd Lapinsky, president of Credo Construction, in a press release.