Story Published: Nov 29, 2010 at 5:00 PM EST

Story Updated: Nov 29, 2010 at 5:24 PM EST



If all goes as planned, a New Jersey-based pharmaceutical company could begin making over-the-counter drugs like cough syrup and other liquid medicines by January or February in Massena.

The company hopes to set up shop inside the old Michele Audio warehouse on Outer Willow Street - bringing new manufacturing jobs to the Massena area.

While workers spruce up the outside, equipment and other supplies are being stored inside as the early stages of the building's renovations get underway.

The Pristine Pharma Corporation's website says equipment has been moved to the 32,000 square foot facility where it will be installed to make private label brands and its own NuMed pharmaceutical products.

Company officials say numerous regulatory and financial approvals are needed before the Massena operation can begin production.

"We're happily leading towards Massena provided that we are welcome there with the proper incentives," said Albert Lacle, president and chief executive officer of Michelex Corporation, which owns Pristine Pharma.

Pristine Pharma hopes to export products to Canada and other markets.

The company's pharmaceutical products are currently contract manufactured at federally registered plants in New Jersey and New York and then distributed.

State incentives would be used to help finance the pharmaceutical plant.

The company is also hoping to secure an allocation of low-cost hydro power from the newly formed St. Lawrence River Valley Redevelopment Agency.

The only problem is that outgoing Governor David Paterson has yet to sign legislation granting the power to the River Redevelopment Agency.

Pristine Pharma Corporation

http://www.wwnytv.com/news/local/Pharmaceutical-Company-Looks-To-Locate-In-Massena-110998044.html