Ash Stevens Inc. Named One of Michigan 50 Companies to Watch

DETROIT, April 21 // -- Ash Stevens Inc. (ASI) has been recognized as one of the "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch," and will be honored at an awards ceremony during the third annual Michigan Celebrates Small Business event, Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 6 p.m. in Lansing, Mich.

    Headquartered in Detroit Michigan, ASI is an established contract pharmaceutical manufacturing company that develops, registers and commercially manufactures Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. With more than 45 years of custom drug manufacturing experience, ASI has emerged as a premier contract research organization for developing highly potent anticancer agents.

    ASI's success in the industry stems from a focus on science with a commitment to quality and regulatory compliance. Today, the company holds 11 drug approvals, three of which were approved in less than two years.

    ASI has invested more than $15 million in its manufacturing facility, located in Riverview, Mich., over the past five years. These improvements have expanded the company's capabilities while integrating new technology creating a safe, effective product development process. In addition, ASI has diversified its customer base while growing science-related jobs in Michigan.

    "We are honored to receive this award and are proud to be working to grow employment and advance the pharmaceutical industry in Michigan," said Dr. Stephen Munk, president and CEO of Ash Stevens. "This award underscores our commitment to bettering the human condition by developing and manufacturing products that make a real difference in the lives of seriously ill people."

    Founded in 1962 to service the Federal Government's chemical research needs, ASI has a long-standing research arrangement with the National Cancer Institute. ASI has more than 50 employees and holds a variety of patents covering topics including medicinal agents and manufacturing processes. For more information, visit our Web site at http://www.ashstevens.com .

    "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch" celebrates high-performing, second-stage companies in the state of Michigan. Known for their performance in the marketplace, innovative products, unique processes or philanthropic actions, these companies represent a wide range of industries from all corners of Michigan. Additionally, the 50 companies selected each year collectively provide thousands of jobs and contribute millions of dollars of revenue to Michigan's economy.

    Michigan Celebrates Small Business presents "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch" in association with the Edward Lowe Foundation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center, Small Business Association of Michigan and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Information about the 2008 "Michigan 50 Companies to Watch" program can be found at http://michigan.companiestowatch.org . For information about Michigan Celebrates Small Business, visit http://michigancelebrates.biz .