Evonik has taken a major step toward expanding its biotechnology footprint in Europe, breaking ground on a new biotechnology expansion project at its Fermas site in Slovenská Ľupča, Slovakia.

 

The approximately EUR 80 million investment represents a significant expansion of Evonik’s biotechnology capabilities and is set to strengthen the company’s contract manufacturing services for its drug substance business. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2028.

 

At the heart of the expansion is the installation of state-of-the-art downstream fermentation technology, which will increase the site’s capacity to develop and manufacture complex pharmaceutical intermediates. The project is also expected to create approximately 50 new jobs, further cementing Fermas’s position as one of Evonik’s key biotechnology hubs.

 

The investment comes as biotechnology takes on a growing role in pharmaceutical manufacturing, offering new ways to produce complex molecules through advanced fermentation processes.

 

Compared with conventional chemical synthesis, fermentation can provide a more sustainable manufacturing route for selected intermediates by reducing the use of organic solvents and minimizing process-related waste. At the Fermas site, that sustainability focus is already embedded in operations: the facility runs on 100 percent green electricity and uses renewable and certified raw materials in 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.”

 

The expansion also underscores Evonik’s confidence in the region’s ability to turn biotechnology innovation into large-scale industrial production.

 

“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.

 

The new project builds on more than three decades of fermentation expertise at Evonik Fermas.

 

Founded in 1992, the Slovakian site has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from an amino acid producer into a strategic biotechnology manufacturing hub serving the pharmaceutical, personal care, nutrition and specialty chemical industries.

 

Its role within Evonik’s biotechnology network has continued to grow in recent years. The site was selected for the successful launch of the world’s first industrial-scale rhamnolipid biosurfactant production facility, further demonstrating its ability to translate biotechnology breakthroughs into commercial-scale manufacturing.

 

The site’s strength extends beyond its production capabilities. Fermas maintains close relationships with local universities, helping build a strong pipeline of qualified engineers while fostering an agile environment for innovation.

 

With the new investment, Evonik is taking the next step in that evolution—adding advanced fermentation capabilities, expanding its manufacturing capacity and positioning Fermas to play an even greater role in the future of sustainable biotechnology and pharmaceutical production.