OREANDA-NEWS. Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) today announced it has acquired 20 acres in Weld County, Colorado, on which it plans to build a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.

The expansion will enable the company to more than double its commercial manufacturing capacity for nucleic acid active pharmaceutical ingredients.

"The products manufactured at this site will be used by our customers to improve the lives of patients suffering from a variety of diseases," said Skip Thune, general manager of the company's Nucleic Acids Solutions Division. "At Agilent, we are committed to meeting the ever-increasing needs of our customers for oligonucleotides."

Researchers believe oligonucleotides (short DNA and RNA molecules) hold the potential to treat various forms of cancer, diabetes, muscular dystrophy and other disorders.

Thune noted that the expansion would result in about 150 to 200 new, permanent high-paying jobs.

"Colorado is thrilled to welcome Agilent Technologies to the state," said Gov. John Hickenlooper. "This expansion will enhance Colorado's skilled workforce and dedication to research and development firms. We look forward to supporting Agilent's innovative work in our state."

"The Agilent project is a huge win for the Town of Frederick, Weld County and all of Northern Colorado," said Mike Freeman, chairman of the Weld County Commissioners. "The project adds diversification to our thriving economic base, plus significant new jobs and tax base. It also showcases what an amazing growth region Northern Colorado is due to the diverse workforce and business-friendly environment."

"The impact of new high-paying jobs and millions of dollars in investment will trigger a huge positive ripple through the local economy, pumping new revenue into everything from restaurants to housing," added Tony Carey, mayor of Frederick. "Winning this project shows the tremendous assets of Frederick and Weld County, and we welcome Agilent to our community."