Benchmark Holdings Regulatory News (BMK)

Benchmark Holdings plc("Benchmark" or the "Company")

New Vaccine Facility Delivers first Commercial Scale Production

Benchmark today announces that operations commenced at its state-of-the-art vaccine antigen production facility in Braintree, UK on 29 September 2017. The £17m Biotechnology Building has processed its first commercial-scale batch of antigen, which will be used in a number of new aquaculture vaccines in Benchmark's product pipeline.

Work on the final validation of the facility to ensure compliance with EU Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) is underway and once fully licensed the increased capacity will allow the Company to significantly expand the number and range of vaccines it produces.

The 2,500-square-metre facility is set to be one of the most capable EU GMP antigen production facilities in Europe.

Malcolm Pye, Benchmark CEO, commented;

"This is a significant milestone for Benchmark. The new facility provides the foundation for the large-scale antigen manufacture and testing of our new pipeline products, and represents the engine room through which our ground-breaking products can be delivered on a large commercial scale."

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

Benchmark challenges the status quo in aquaculture, agriculture and animal healthcare.

Since 2000, Benchmark has consistently worked to build a platform to serve its customers, helping farmers to take control of their biological environment through the combination of genetics, nutrition, health and knowledge services. Through its in-depth knowledge of animal biology Benchmark is able to tackle the key issues in the aquaculture, livestock and companion animal sectors.

The Company has proven distribution capabilities in high growth markets and operates internationally with R&D facilities, commercial farms, diagnostic laboratories, manufacturing sites, production facilities and commercial offices across 27 countries in five continents. As at 31 August 2017, Benchmark employed 957 people. 

For further information on Benchmark please visit www.benchmarkplc.com