THOUSAND OAKS : Planning Panel OKs Amgen Addition

The Thousand Oaks Planning Commission has approved a plan by the biotechnology firm Amgen Inc. to build a second-story addition to one of its laboratories.

The commission voted 4 to 0 Monday to approve the addition. Commissioner Forrest Frields abstained from voting, saying he does business with Amgen.

Allan Lin, project manager, said the addition will be used to test production techniques for new pharmaceuticals and not to manufacture products for the market.

The new factory is part of a major expansion by Amgen, one of the country’s fastest-growing pharmaceutical firms. Amgen recently announced its interest in buying the interim City Hall, and plans to relocate 200 employees from the company’s Newbury Park headquarters to Westlake Village.

Lin said Amgen also is building a large manufacturing plant in Puerto Rico.

City planner Lori Young said the 20,000-square-foot addition will be designed to blend into the existing building on Oak Terrace and will house about 25 workers.

Commissioner Marilyn Carpenter sought assurances that the company will seek to reduce its water use and production of solid waste.

Ed Bjurstrom, director of engineering and construction, said federal regulations require Amgen to use “ultra-pure water” to clean equipment and drug containers. That requires a large amount of raw water, but Bjurstrom said Amgen is considering recycling some of that water for landscaping or other uses.