Evonik broke ground on a major biotechnology expansion project at its Fermas site in Slovenská Ľupča, Slovakia. The project forms part of an approximately EUR 80 million investment aimed at expanding Evonik’s biotechnology capabilities and strengthening its contract manufacturing services for pharmaceutical drug substances. The company expects to complete the expansion in early 2028. Once operational, the facility will increase Evonik’s capacity to develop and manufacture complex pharmaceutical intermediates.
New Fermentation Technology to Increase Production Capacity
As part of the expansion, Evonik will install state-of-the-art downstream fermentation technology at the Fermas site. The new capabilities will support the development and manufacturing of complex molecules used in pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, the investment will strengthen Fermas as one of Evonik’s key biotechnology hubs. By combining advanced fermentation expertise with scalable manufacturing capabilities, the site will be better positioned to support pharmaceutical customers from development through industrial production.
Biotechnology Supports More Sustainable Manufacturing
Evonik is also focusing on sustainability as it expands its biotechnology platform. Advanced fermentation processes can provide a more sustainable alternative for producing selected pharmaceutical intermediates compared with conventional chemical synthesis. For example, fermentation-based production can reduce the use of organic solvents and minimize process-related waste. In addition, the Fermas site already operates using 100 percent green electricity and incorporates renewable and certified raw materials into selected production processes.
“Today is an important step in our strategy to expand our biotechnology platform and support our customers with innovative, scalable and sustainable manufacturing solutions,” said Lauren Kjeldsen, member of the Management Board and Chief Operating Officer at Custom Solutions, Evonik. “Biotechnology demonstrates how economic growth and sustainability can go hand in hand.”
Evonik Strengthens Fermas as a Biotechnology Hub
The investment also highlights Evonik’s long-term commitment to biotechnology and to Slovakia as a strategic manufacturing location. “This investment demonstrates the company’s confidence in biotechnology and in Slovakia as a location where innovation turns into industrial scale products,” said Miroslav Havlik, General Manager of Evonik Fermas. With more than three decades of fermentation expertise, Fermas has developed into an important biotechnology manufacturing centre for Evonik.
Investment Builds on Local Innovation and Talent
Evonik’s latest expansion builds on the company’s established fermentation expertise and its strong connections with local universities. These partnerships help the company develop a pipeline of qualified engineers while supporting an agile innovation ecosystem. Consequently, the combination of technical expertise, local talent and advanced production infrastructure positions Fermas for continued growth in biotechnology. As per the press release, with the new investment, Evonik is further strengthening its biotechnology manufacturing capabilities and expanding its ability to deliver scalable, sustainable and innovative solutions for pharmaceutical customers.
