Repligen putting idle assets to work

Even as it's downsizing to conserve capital, Repligen Corp. is trying to put its idle assets to work to bring in more revenue by taking advantage of changes occurring throughout the biotech industry.

Downsizing typically creates excess capacity in several areas, including manufacturing and facility space. But while older companies are cutting back, many young companies are thinking "virtual," avoiding investments in infrastructure wherever possible. In theory, at least, that should create an opportunity for companies like RGEN to share their infrastructure with these newcomers, thus RGEN's decision to create two business units...