Bristol-Myers Squibb is funnelling $250 million into significantly ramping up manufacturing facilities at its site in Devens, Massachusetts. 

The move will introduce to the site biologics development and clinical trial manufacturing capabilities for the first time.

In addition, it will ultimately add around 350 new positions to the workforce, the firm said.

The plans include construction of two new buildings: one for process development and the other for manufacturing drugs for use in clinical trials. 

This will "accelerate the development of new biologics medicines through the closer alignment of biologics research and development, and manufacturing,” said Lou Schmukler president, Global Manufacturing & Supply.

The aim, he said, is to transform Devens into "a center of excellence for the development and manufacture of biologics medicines, optimally organised to support our growing pipeline of investigational medicines and potential new products”.

Work on the expansion is expected to begin in late 2013 and be completed in 2015. 

Earlier this month, B-MS announced the closure of Amylin's headquarters in San Diego and the transfer or work conducted there to other sites, following its purchase of the group last year.