Bracco opens R&D, manufacturing site

Bracco Diagnostics has opened a new research center in Plan-Les-Ouates, an area on the outskirts of Geneva, Switzerland, where several new high-technology firms are sprouting up.

The center will house Bracco Research, a unit of the company’s research and development division and Bracco Imaging, a new manufacturing plant. The plant will produce Bracco’s new ultrasound contrast agent, SonoVue.

The facility in Plan-Les-Ouates is part of the Milan-based company’s research network, which includes advanced research centers in Milan and Princeton, NJ. Bracco will earmark a projected $95 million, or 190 billion lira, in 2000 for the new research and development center. Bracco also operates production centers in Milan and Ceriano Laghetto. Another new manufacturing plant will open soon in Torviscosa.