Thermo Fisher Scientific has inaugurated a new 12,000ft² manufacturing plant in Suzhou, China, to manufacture life sciences consumables and equipment for the domestic and Asia-Pacific markets.

The $20m facility will manufacture plastic labware and consumables including sample preparation products and filterware, as well as laboratory refrigerators, freezers, incubators and centrifuges.

Thermo Fisher Scientific president and chief executive officer Marc Casper said China has been a key contributor to the company’s success.

"The Suzhou facility builds on our well-established presence in China and is an important next step as we closely align our depth of capabilities with China’s five-year plan to develop strategic industries, including pharmaceutical, healthcare and environmental," Casper added.

In addition to life sciences and pharmaceutical industries, the facility will serve research, diagnostics and bioproduction, as well as chemical, environmental and electronics industries.