The technology supplier GEA has announced the opening of a new technology centre in Elsdorf, Germany.
The centre is for pharmaceutical freeze-drying systems, combining research and development with production and service under one roof and employs around 260 people.
The site achieves carbon neutrality through energy supplied by photovoltaic systems. An investment exceeding €80 million underscores GEA's commitment to strengthening its role as a technology partner for the expanding global pharmaceutical industry.
Additionally, the company is positively contributing to the structural transformation in Germany's Rhineland lignite mining region.
At the opening ceremony, GEA CEO Stefan Klebert said: "With our new technology centre in Elsdorf, we are investing in one of our key growth areas and further strengthening our innovative capabilities in the pharmaceutical sector."
We are also significantly expanding our production capacities. Together, these measures help us expand our leading position in this highly innovative market segment.
Mona Neubaur, Deputy Minister President and Minister of Economic Affairs of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, added: "Today is a good day for the future of Elsdorf and the entire region."
"From the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, GEA Group is driving the global transformation towards climate-neutral production."
"Efficient, digitally networked production methods and sustainable technologies are helping to drive the transition toward a resilient and climate-neutral economy."
Elsdorf demonstrates that North Rhine-Westphalia offers reliable framework conditions to enable investments with significant impact. This way, we secure good jobs, industrial value creation and competitiveness, even in challenging times.
Digital on the inside, green on the outside
The new building in Elsdorf replaces an existing GEA freeze-drying plant in neighbouring Hürth, where production capacities had reached their limits.
GEA expressed that more than 260 employees will enjoy optimal working conditions in development, design, manufacturing, assembly and service at the new location. The production capabilities will be enhanced, especially through reduced production times.
The facilities will feature photovoltaic systems and green roofs to ensure carbon-neutral operations. GEA added that the site will utilise rooftop electricity to power air-to-water heat pumps for on-site freeze-drying, heating and cooling.
This initiative is expected to save up to 7000 metric tons of CO2 annually in production.
Additionally, the photovoltaic system will support 30 charging stations for electric cars and fleet vehicles, as well as six charging stations for e-bikes.
The company also stated that efforts have been made to leave as much of the approximately 45,000-square-meter site unsealed as possible by using grass pavers.
A leader in pharmaceutical freeze-drying
Freeze-drying is a necessary production step for many temperature-sensitive medicines to extend their shelf life or make them transportable in the first place.
Alongside vaccines, these include antibiotics, serums, diagnostic agents, protein-based and biotechnological products, cells, tissues and chemicals.
Production must meet the pharmaceutical industry's exceptionally high quality and safety standards.
Many of the corresponding manufacturing processes are traditionally energy-intensive, but GEA states that it significantly reduces this energy requirement through the company's innovative systems and processes.
The company says that it has been systematically expanding its capacities and capabilities in this growth market for years.
