Evonik Breaks Ground on New Biotechnology Expansion Project in Slovakia

Editor’s Take: Biotechnology is playing an increasingly important role in pharmaceutical manufacturing, enabling more production of complex molecules.

Evonik broke ground on a new biotechnology expansion project at its Fermas site, located in Slovenská Ľupča, Slovakia. The company says the groundbreaking is the next major milestone in an approximately €80 million (US$92.78 million) investment.

According to Evonik, the investment expands the company’s biotechnology capabilities and strengthens contract manufacturing services for its drug substance business. At the Fermas site, it adds state-of-the-art downstream fermentation technology, increasing capacity for development and manufacture of complex pharmaceutical intermediates.

Furthermore, the expansion builds upon more than three decades of fermentation expertise at the Evonik site, founded in 1992. In that time, Evonik says, it has evolved from amino acid production into a strategic biotechnology manufacturing hub. Currently, the site serves the pharmaceutical, personal care, nutrition, and specialty chemical industries.

Importance of Biotechnology Advancement

Evonik says biotechnology is playing an increasingly important role in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It enables production of complex molecules via advanced fermentation processes.

These processes can offer a more sustainable approach, reducing need for organic solvents and minimizing process-related waste.

Lauren Kjeldsen, member of the Management Board and Chief Operating Officer at Custom Solutions for Evonik, commented on the groundbreaking.

“[It fits] our strategy to expand our biotechnology platform, [supporting] customers with innovative, scalable and sustainable manufacturing solutions,” Kjeldsen said. “Biotechnology demonstrates how economic growth and sustainability can go hand in hand.”

Evonik Confident in Slovakia Expansion

“This investment demonstrates the company’s confidence in biotechnology, and in Slovakia,” Miroslav Havlik, Evonik Fermas General Manager, added.

This latest Evonik project has a projected completion date in 2028. The company says the expansion will create approximately 50 new jobs, reinforcing the site as a key Evonik biotechnology hub.

Of note, the Fermas site presently runs on 100% green electricity, using renewable and certified raw materials in certain processes.