January 17, 2008 -- A maker of fermenters and other equipment for biotechnology and drug companies that received state aid a few years ago to expand will close its production facility in Bethlehem Township and lay off 50 employees. Sartorius Stedim Biotech, which is part of a German firm, said it is shutting down the Lehigh Valley plant because it is contracting with a Springfield, Mo., company to manufacture fermentation and bioreactor equipment. The move comes despite the promise of $2.7 million in state aid meant to keep the company and its jobs in Pennsylvania.
