Evonik Industries is strengthening its position in pharmaceutical manufacturing by investing approximately €80 million at its Fermas site in Slovenská Ľupča. This strategic move aims to significantly enhance the company’s biotechnology capabilities, particularly in drug substance manufacturing.
Advancing Fermentation and Downstream Processing Technologies
As part of the expansion, Evonik will introduce advanced downstream fermentation technologies to support its growing contract manufacturing services. These upgrades will not only improve production efficiency but also ensure scalability and reliability for complex pharmaceutical ingredients. Moreover, the project is expected to generate around 50 new jobs, further strengthening the region’s biotechnology talent base.
Meeting Rising Demand for Complex Pharmaceuticals
Highlighting the strategic importance of the investment, Guido Skudlarek, Head of Evonik’s Health Care business line, emphasized the growing demand for sophisticated drug substances. He noted that the enhanced biotech infrastructure will enable the company to deliver scalable and sustainable solutions to its global customers.
Building on Previous Investments and Innovation
Notably, this marks Evonik’s second major investment at the Fermas site in recent years. In 2022, the company initiated the construction of its pioneering rhamnolipids plant—an important step in sustainable specialty chemicals production. Since then, the Slovenská Ľupča facility has evolved into a core hub for industrial biotechnology. It now plays a crucial role in biofermentation scale-up and downstream processing, attracting skilled professionals such as biotechnologists, engineers, and laboratory technicians.
Driving Sustainability Through Biotechnology
Importantly, fermentation-based biotechnological processes are central to Evonik’s sustainability strategy. These processes enable the development of next-generation solutions that offer superior environmental benefits compared to conventional chemical methods. As a result, Evonik continues to align its operational growth with its broader sustainability ambitions.
Strengthening Regional and Global Impact
Miroslav Havlik, General Manager of Evonik Fermas, подчеркed the site’s global significance. He stated that the investment not only supports sustainable healthcare solutions worldwide but also contributes to regional economic development.
A Legacy of Innovation at Fermas
Founded in 1992 as a joint venture between Degussa AG and Biotika a.s., the Fermas facility became a wholly owned subsidiary of Evonik in 1998. Initially focused on amino acids for animal nutrition, the site has since diversified into fermentation-based products for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, and animal nutrition. In 2024, Evonik achieved a global milestone by becoming the first company to produce industrial-scale rhamnolipid biosurfactants—further cementing Fermas as one of its leading biotechnology centers. As per the press release, the latest investment reinforces Evonik’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and leadership in advanced biotechnological manufacturing.