Amgen Inc. announced plans to spend $1 billion to expand its manufacturing operations in Puerto Rico. The biotech giant is building a new plant in the city of Juncos, where it maintains existing facilities. Over the next four years, the company will hire 500 additional employees to work on the island. The expanded facilities will be used to increase the production of Neupogen, Neulasta, Epogen and Aranesp drugs. The drugs are used to treat side effects of chemotherapy and problems related to kidney dialysis. Amgen has previously announced expansion plans in Ireland, England and throughout the United States. Shares fell $1.53, or 2 percent, closing on the Nasdaq at $74.66 with an aftermarket $0.14 cent increase.
