Pharmaceutical co. to add jobs in RI

SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WPRI) - A bio-pharmaceutical company is expanding its local manufacturing plant - a move expected to bring new jobs to Rhode Island.

Governor Lincoln Chafee and other state officials attended a special groundbreaking ceremony at the Alexion Pharmaceuticals Plant in Smithfield Monday morning.

The Connecticut-based company is adding 20,000 square feet of laboratories and office space to the Smithfield plant.

Alexion currently employs 125 workers, and expects to expand its workforce by 35-percent.

Alexion produces the drug Soliris, the only approved therapy for patients with a rare blood disorder known as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, or PNH.