(Yicai Global) Aug. 30 -- Illumina, a leading US maker of gene sequencing and analysis equipment, has kicked off production at its first plant in China, a facility located in the Lingang Special Area of Shanghai’s free trade zone.

The CNY50 million (USD7.2 million) plant is Illumina’s third regional production center after ones in the United States and Singapore, the California-based firm said on WeChat on Aug. 25.

The plant, in which Illumina will invest more than CNY450 million (USD65 million) in the next five years, is expected to achieve fully localized production of high-end gene sequencers and consumables by 2027. The project’s first phase will make 16 sequencing reagents for clinical applications, with deliveries due to begin by year end.

The plant brings Illumina’s expertise in global manufacturing and supply chain operations and combines with China’s local supply chain to provide key elements to expand global supply chains and improve overall resilience, according to Chief of Global Operations Kevin Pegels.

Illumina entered the Chinese market and set up a regional headquarters in Shanghai in 2010. On the back of recent industrial policies, the company has continued to boost investment in the country, completing the upgrading of its HQ and building a genomics incubator in the city, thanks to the support of investor Sequoia China.

Editor: Futura Costaglione