Solvias sales are "crisis-proof" despite recession
Swiss pharmaceutical service provider Solvias reported growth of 8% in 2008, driven by its analytical services and process analytical technology divisions. These divisions compensated for a decline in catalysis and ligand products. Sales increased to CHF67.1m (
Swiss pharmaceutical service provider Solvias reported growth of 8% in 2008, driven by its analytical services and process analytical technology divisions. These divisions compensated for a decline in catalysis and ligand products. Sales increased to CHF67.1m (£39m).
During 2008 the Basel-based company expanded in both Europe and the US and its Kilolab was supplemented through investments in a GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) miniplant. With this, Solvias will offer pharmaceutical customers a comprehensive service package, which allows for the production of drug candidates up to clinical phase I, and depending on the quantity to phase II. Implementation is planned for Q3 2009.
The building project for the new headquarters in Kaiseraugst is also starting to take shape. Construction approval was granted in December 2008 and the ground-breaking ceremony has taken place.
Sales increased by 5% in the first quarter of 2009 and in spite of the current "tense economic environment" chief executive Hansjoerg Walther says the firm's growth potential is "crisis-proof".
"Our long-term plan for growth will be advanced through the extension of our services," he said. "The planned investment budget in research and development, as well as equipment facilities, stands at more than CHF10m."