Evonik is investing approximately EUR 80 million to bolster its biotechnology capabilities at the Fermas site in Slovenská Ľupča, Slovakia. This strategic investment will introduce advanced downstream fermentation technology, enhancing the contract manufacturing services within the group’s drug substance business and creating around 50 new jobs at the facility.
As demand for complex pharmaceutical ingredients escalates, Evonik’s upgraded biotechnology capabilities are poised to provide customers with reliable, scalable, and sustainable production solutions. Guido Skudlarek, head of the Health Care business line, emphasized the importance of this enhancement in meeting the growing market needs.
This marks the second significant investment at the Fermas site in recent years, following the establishment of a pioneering rhamnolipids plant in 2022. The site has evolved into a core strength for Evonik, offering substantial career opportunities in biotechnology and related fields while reinforcing its status as a hub for advanced biotechnological production.
Furthermore, biotechnological processes like fermentation are critical for developing Next Generation Solutions that provide superior sustainability benefits compared to traditional methods, aligning with Evonik’s sustainability goals. Miroslav Havlik, general manager of Evonik Fermas, highlighted the site’s role in aiding leading life science companies to tackle pressing global challenges, thus contributing to a more sustainable future for health and care.
Established in 1992, Evonik Fermas has transitioned from producing amino acids for animal nutrition to manufacturing fermentation-based products for various industries, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Notably, in 2024, Evonik became the first company globally to produce industrial-scale rhamnolipid biosurfactants, marking a significant milestone in sustainable specialty chemicals. Today, the Fermas site stands as one of Evonik’s premier biotechnology centers, exemplifying the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the chemical industry.
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