On July 30, we officially opened the doors to our new, state-of-the-art electron beam (E-Beam) sterilization facility in Imperial, PA, near the Pittsburgh International Airport, with a formal facility dedication ceremony. The new facility brings cutting-edge radiation sterilization capabilities to U.S. soil and offers medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology manufacturers a proven, scalable, and sustainable solution for mission-critical sterilization needs.
The 100,000-square-foot facility offers easy access to customers across the Northeast, Midwest, and South. This $40 million investment marks the first U.S. location for BGS Beta-Gamma-Service, our parent company and recognized leader in E-Beam and gamma sterilization based in Germany.
A strategic asset for regulated supply chains
At a time when manufacturers are actively rethinking sterilization strategies due to increasing scrutiny of ethylene oxide (EtO) and constrained gamma capacity, the new BGS US facility delivers a timely, high-throughput alternative backed by four decades of global expertise. Fully operational and ISO 13485, ISO 9001, and ISO 11137 certified, the site is built to meet the rigorous standards of the medical and life sciences industries.
“Our U.S. facility allows us to deliver advanced sterilization services with faster turnaround and greater flexibility,” said Leonard Zuba, General Manager of BGS US. “We’re here to meet the needs of customers who demand precision, compliance, and speed.”
Dr. Andreas Ostrowicki, CEO of BGS Beta-Gamma-Service, added, “The northeastern U.S. is one of the most important regions globally for medical device manufacturing. Pittsburgh’s strategic location, infrastructure, and engineering workforce made it an ideal choice for our expansion.”
A milestone for u.s. market access
The dedication event drew nearly 100 regional business leaders, public officials, and partners who supported the company’s U.S. market entry. Speaking at the event were executives from BGS, representatives of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, and elected leaders, including Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.
“This facility represents more than an investment. It’s a commitment to our region’s role in the global life sciences ecosystem,” said Stefani Pashman, CEO of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development. “BGS’s expansion reinforces the fact that advanced manufacturing remains a pillar of the Pittsburgh economy.”
She added, “With a highly skilled workforce, efficient access to transportation infrastructure, and a growing reputation as a center for medical innovation, southwestern Pennsylvania is the right place for forward-thinking companies like BGS.”
inside the facility: automation, precision, scale
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees toured the E-Beam sterilization process and support infrastructure, guided by BGS personnel. The tour showcased fully automated systems designed for high-volume throughput, precision dose control, and fast cycle times, which are key advantages in today’s complex and regulated product supply chains.
“From initial permitting to operational readiness in just 19 months, this facility reflects our company’s ability to execute with discipline and excellence,” said Dr. Ostrowicki. The facility’s E-Beam technology uses high-powered electrons to sterilize products without chemical residue, radiation waste, or long processing windows. It provides a clean, energy-efficient alternative to EtO and gamma, operating with 30% less energy than conventional accelerators. It is a reliable platform for customers seeking to de-risk their sterilization strategy with a U.S.-based partner.
A growing global network
BGS US joins a network of more than 80 German companies with a presence in the Pittsburgh region. Michael Henderson of the Pittsburgh Regional Alliance, who helped facilitate BGS’s site selection process, called the project “a model of international partnership,” adding that the facility would strengthen the region’s standing in advanced manufacturing and biomedical engineering.
The dedication ceremony concluded with a luncheon and networking opportunity, giving attendees the chance to connect with BGS leadership and regional partners who made the project possible.
The event drew media coverage from trade, business, and general news media, including Medical Design & Outsourcing, Today’s Medical Developments, Investment Monitor, Pittsburgh Business Times, and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
looking ahead
With operations underway, BGS US is ready to serve customers in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotech sectors with efficient, certified, and responsive sterilization services. For executives seeking a strategic partner that combines German engineering with U.S. accessibility, BGS US offers a proven solution.
To learn more about our contract sterilization capabilities, meet with our team.
