#United States #Copan Diagnostics #UriSponge #Murrieta #UTM Universal Transport

Copan Diagnostics Strengthens U.S. Manufacturing with New Investment

In a significant move to bolster its manufacturing capabilities in the United States, Copan Diagnostics has announced an investment exceeding $7 million aimed at expanding its operations in California and Puerto Rico. As part of the Italy-based Copan Group, renowned for its leadership in specimen collection, transport, and laboratory automation, this expansion signals a commitment to fulfilling the needs of the U.S. market effectively.

Investment Overview

The investment will focus on several key initiatives, including:
1. Facility Expansions: Enhancing both the California and Puerto Rico facilities to increase production capacity.
2. New Manufacturing Processes: Implementing cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to improve efficiency and output.
3. Advanced Quality Control Systems: Establishing enhanced quality assurance protocols to ensure the highest standards in product delivery.
4. New Production Technologies: Acquiring new technologies to streamline processes and reduce reliance on overseas supply chains.

These enhancements will specifically increase the production of critical products such as UTM® Universal Transport Medium kits, which are vital for collecting respiratory viral specimens. Additionally, the UriSponge®, a novel device for urine collection, will now be produced in the U.S., further reinforcing local capabilities.

Key Financial Allocations

The breakdown of the investment includes:

• - $5 million allocated for expanding production capacity across the U.S. facilities.
• - $1 million dedicated to the U.S.-based production of the UriSponge®.
• - $1 million aimed at sourcing components and reagents from local suppliers, reducing dependence on international procurement.
• - Establishment of a centralized Quality Assurance (QA) laboratory, which will enhance innovation and efficiency in quality controls.

Commitment to U.S. Growth

Stefania Triva, President of Copan Group, emphasized that while the company is proud of its Italian roots, its growth strategy is increasingly intertwined with the U.S. market. "Expanding our manufacturing footprint in the U.S. is essential for investing closer to our critical markets and serving our customers more effectively," Triva stated.

Echoing her sentiments, Fabrizio Mazzocchi, CEO of Copan Diagnostics Inc., noted, "Our presence in the United States for over three decades demonstrates our commitment to fostering economic growth. By enhancing local manufacturing and generating new job opportunities, we aim to serve laboratories better and empower healthcare providers across the nation."

Taking Steps Towards Implementation

Construction for the new initiatives commenced earlier this month, with operational outputs from the newly expanded facilities expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026. This strategic move will not only bolster Copan’s production capabilities but will also enhance the resilience of the supply chain, thereby benefiting laboratories and healthcare providers throughout the country.

With more than 450 employees in its U.S. operations, Copan is making proactive strides to ensure that its products and technologies, which are central to daily laboratory procedures, are sourced and produced locally. As Copan continues to innovate—producing groundbreaking solutions such as FLOQSwabs®, ESwab®, and WASPLab®—its commitment to transforming laboratory automation and enhancing healthcare outcomes remains unwavering.

For further details about Copan Diagnostics and their innovative solutions, visit copanusa.com.