Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (Charles River), a leading global drug discovery, development, testing and manufacturing solutions provider, today announced it is expanding its operations in Charleston County. The company is investing $13 million in its microbial solutions facility.
Founded in 1947, Charles River provides products and services to help expedite the discovery, early-stage development and manufacture of drugs and therapeutics. The company’s Charleston County site was established more than 30 years ago and offers a portfolio of quality control testing solutions.
Charles River will construct a new cleanroom at its existing site to install automation equipment to produce cartridges for its portable testing system (PTS), as well as its multi-cartridge system (MCS). Charles River’s proprietary, FDA-licensed cartridge technology reduces the need for limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) or recombinant raw materials by 95% compared to traditional testing methods, while reducing hands-on time (HOT) and, ultimately, technician variability.
In 2023, Charles River introduced its latest innovation, Endosafe Trillium, an animal-free endotoxin testing solution which strengthens the company’s commitment to sustainability while maintaining patient safety as the top priority. Additionally, the Charleston site recently launched a cartridge recycling program with TerraCycle, which recycles and repurposes water testing cartridges into new products such as outdoor furniture, storage bins, park benches and other durable goods.
Operations are expected to be online in the fourth quarter of 2025.
QUOTES
“Investing in advanced manufacturing is more than just increasing efficiency, it reflects our company’s commitment to being at the forefront of technology in a rapidly evolving environment. Automation allows us to produce our products with the greatest precision, consistency and safety. It also gives our teams the opportunity to focus on high-value work.”
-Charles River Laboratories Charleston Site Senior Director Niall Power
“This expansion from Charles River Laboratories is further proof that our state has the business environment needed for life sciences companies to find success. We are proud the company is deepening its commitment to Charleston County and South Carolina.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster
“Charles River Laboratories’ announcement is another great boost for South Carolina’s thriving life sciences industry. Congratulations to Charleston County on this $13 million expansion.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
“For over three decades, Charles River Laboratories has been a valued part of our business community, and we are thrilled they are continuing to invest in their future here.”
-Charleston County Council Chairman Rev. Dr. Kylon Jerome Middleton
“We’re excited to see Charles River Laboratories continue to grow right here in West Ashley. Their expansion is not just a win for our local economy—it highlights West Ashley’s potential as a hub for innovation and life sciences. Charleston is proud to support companies that are doing important work and choosing to invest in our city’s future.”
– Charleston Mayor William Cogswell
“By investing in advanced manufacturing and automation, Charles River Laboratories solidifies its future, fortifies our local economy, and sets a powerful precedent for the innovative businesses flourishing throughout Charleston County. The continued growth of the life sciences sector is a testament to the strong business environment and skilled workforce we have cultivated.”
-Charleston County Economic Development Executive Director Merle Johnson
FIVE FAST FACTS
- Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. (Charles River) is expanding its operations in Charleston County.
- The company is investing $13 million in its microbial solutions facility.
- Charles River is a biotechnology research and development company.
- The company is located at 1023 Wappoo Road in Charleston, S.C.
- The Charleston facility produces quality control testing solutions.
About Charleston County Economic Development
For over three decades, Charleston County Economic Development Department has been dedicated to establishing and maintaining business relationships with new and existing industries to preserve the Charleston area’s exceptional business climate and quality of life. To learn more about Charleston County Economic Development, visit www.charlestoncountydevelopment.org.
