Metrics Inc., one of the fastest-growing contract pharmaceutical development laboratories in the United States, is celebrating the grand opening of its $18-million, 47,000-square-foot facility addition, nearly doubling its space and allowing the company to dramatically expand services to clients.

Metrics provides quality pharmaceutical formulation, clinical trial material (Phase I, II and III) and commercial manufacturing, and analytical development/validation services to the pharmaceutical industry.

“Seeing this facility expansion emerge from a dream into reality is an exciting moment for everyone at Metrics,” said Phil Hodges, president. “I am grateful for the hard work, patience and perseverance our employees and partners have demonstrated throughout this effort. This truly is a special day.”

Since its start in 1994, Metrics has created more than 225 high-skill, high-wage, high-benefits jobs in a part of North Carolina historically dependent on agriculture and manufacturing.

Moreover, the company has invested more than $35 million in property, plant and equipment, and grown its revenue at double-digit rates annually. The Pitt County Development Commission just named Metrics its “Industry of the Year.”

Metrics’ facility addition includes:
• Four new analytical laboratories. The labs are fully operational, validated and ready to handle projects.
• Stability storage. Metrics offers state-of-the-art environmental specialties chambers with redundant mechanical systems and strictly limited personnel access.
• A dedicated cytotoxic and potent compound laboratory.
• A new microbiology laboratory. Metrics has brought antibiotic assay and sterility testing online, enhancing its ability to offer full microbiological support of sterile products. The company routinely performs bacterial endotoxin and particulate matter testing on parenterals.

As part of its facility expansion, Metrics also is increasing staff, adding at least 50 pharmaceutical scientists and technicians.

In addition to its phenomenal growth, Metrics is renowned within its industry for its high quality standards. The company’s Good Manufacturing Practices standards are so exacting that Metrics and nearby East Carolina University jointly developed a curriculum on the subject for its chemistry department. A senior Metrics scientist now teaches the course, and many of Metrics’ best recruits emerge from the program.

Metrics’ staff has one patent pending for a controlled release technology, and another patent pending for unique formulations for diabetic patients. The intellectual property emerged when Metrics employees creatively sought solutions to their clients’ problems.

Metrics partnered with CRB Builders, LLC, and CRB Consulting Engineers Inc. to design and build the new facility. Founded in 1997, CRB Builders has earned a reputation as a premier firm that provides integrated project delivery services for the comprehensive needs of life/science industries. The company builds lasting relationships with clients by concentrating on creative business solutions, not just bricks and mortar.

CONTACT: Jeff Basham, VP Marketing & Sales, 252.317.3880