At a Glance
- Company: Esteve CDMO
- Location: Celrà, Girona, Spain
- Investment: €100 million through 2026
- Capacity: +45% in Celrà; +15% global API output
- Next steps: Operational Q4 2026; 100 new jobs
What happened?
Esteve CDMO is expanding its flagship Celrà manufacturing site with a new production unit for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), investing €100 million through 2026. Construction is underway, with the facility set to become operational in Q4 2026, incorporating up to 150 m³ of reaction volume.
Why does it matter?
The buildout addresses surging global demand for high-quality API contract manufacturing, particularly high-potency APIs, with advanced digitalisation and data analytics. It reinforces Spain’s position in Europe’s API sector and supports Esteve’s CMO growth in regulated markets like the US, EU and Japan.
Who’s behind it?
Esteve CDMO, part of Spanish pharma group Esteve, operates chemical R&D in Barcelona and production sites in Catalonia, Mexico and China. Celrà is its main industrial hub, employing 370 staff pre-expansion; the project aligns with sustainable goals including BREEAM certification and renewable energy.
How was it achieved?
New buildings will feature cutting-edge tech for HPAPI production, boosting Celrà capacity by 45% and global output by 15%. Sustainability features include low-CO2 refrigerants, waste management and a 50% municipal wastewater plant upgrade via public-private partnership.
What’s next?
Facility commissioning in late 2026 will add new products to Esteve’s portfolio, with 100 hires joining the team. Further expansions possible as Esteve eyes integrated services for complex molecules amid biopharma outsourcing trends.