Novo Nordisk commits $2.3bn for expansion of Danish API production plant

Novo Nordisk, a Danish pharmaceutical firm, has declared its intention to funnel DKK 15.9 billion ($2.3 billion) into expanding an existing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) production facility in Denmark.

The expansion, starting in 2023, is set to bolster the future portfolio in the realm of serious chronic diseases.

The colossal investment marks the 100-year anniversary of Novo Nordisk’s establishment in Denmark, a nation that currently accommodates over 21,000 of its employees. The majority of this workforce is concentrated across multiple production sites within the country.

This significant investment in the Hillerød-based facility will not only increase production capacity but also enhance the company’s capabilities to meet future market demands. Moreover, it is viewed as a pivotal step for Novo Nordisk to fortify its upcoming clinical late-phase product assortment.

Novo Nordisk to invest $2.3bn for expansion of Danish API production plant. Photo courtesy of Novo Nordisk A/S.

Designed as a multi-product facility, the 65,000m2 expansion will host cutting-edge technology and an optimum working environment. Showcasing future-ready and cost-effective features, the facility will aim for global quality delivery in a sustainable and efficient manner. It is slated to considerably reduce water and energy consumption by introducing optimal and compact process flows.

Construction of the facility has already kicked off and production of APIs is expected to commence by the beginning of 2029. Upon completion, the project is projected to add 340 new jobs to the local economy.

Henrik Wulff — Novo Nordisk executive vice president of Product Supply, Quality & IT said: “This important investment will ensure the continuous development of our late-phase pipeline into deliveries of important medicines for treatments to patients worldwide.

“The investment announced today confirms Hillerød and Denmark as cornerstones in our global footprint, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Danish Government and Parliament for their continued focus on ensuring good and stable infrastructure and supplies – allowing us to continue to expand our production capacity to the benefit of patients living with serious chronic diseases.