LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tuesday, August 21, 2007 WYETH BIOTECH BEGINS CONSTRUCTION ON NEW ADMINISTRATION BUILDING SANFORD -- Wyeth Biotech, which manufactures pediatric vaccine components, has started construction on a $50 million administration building to provide additional permanent space for its rapidly-expanding operation. Land is now being cleared and structural steel erected for the 170,000-square foot facility, increasing the indoor space available on Wyeth's existing campus by roughly 23 percent. When completed, probably around the first quarter of 2009, the new building will provide space for 600 employees working in administration, engineering, quality control, human resources, training and accounting. It also will include a cafeteria and house technical services and support functions for the growing biotechnology company. About 1,400 employees currently work at Wyeth in Sanford. Wyeth's Managing Director J. Bruce Kaylos says the rapid expansion locally was driven by the worldwide success of Prevnar, a conjugated vaccine used to prevent most common types of Streptococcus pneumonia. According to Kaylos, Prevnar, which offers seven vaccines in one dose, is the top selling vaccine in the world. More than 42 million doses were manufactured in 2006, resulting in net sales of more than $1.9 billion, and the company has plans to extend its product lines in the future. Without permanent facilities in place to handle the growing number of employees, many are now housed in trailers. The new construction, which has been designed to meet the grading requirements of Energy Star for energy efficiency, will replace those temporary offices. "Wyeth joined the Lee County community in 1987 as a facility of approximately 45 employees and 75,000 square feet," Kaylos explains. "Completion of this new facility is an indication of the Wyeth commitment to worldwide health care, prevention of disease, our employees and the Lee County community." Local officials recognize the commitment Wyeth has shown to its business constituents as well as Lee County as a whole. Bob Heuts, who directs the Lee County Economic Development Corp., said Wyeth has been an integral part of the business community since arriving in Sanford exactly two decades ago. "It's been an exceptional relationship," Heuts says. "Lee County has been blessed by the jobs Wyeth has provided and the way they've been involved with projects in the community, and Wyeth has had the benefit of our skilled local workforce, outstanding community college and vibrant business climate. "This is just one example of many companies that have been successful over the years by locating here and then growing with our community." The Lee County Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit organization established to attract industry, enhance job opportunities and promote sound planning across Lee County. Funding is provided by the county, as well as the City of Sanford and Town of Broadway, the county's two municipalities. -- 30 -- Media Contacts Bob Heuts, Director Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant 919.774.8439 (phone) 919.775.5410 (fax) info@lcedc.com (e-mail) More On the Web Wyeth Biotech: http://www.wyeth.com LCEDC Media Web: http://www.lcedc.com/media/ This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr082107.txt