ESTEVE CDMO is investing more than $80 million to relocate, expand, and modernize its manufacturing operations in China with a new facility in Shaoxing, strengthening the company’s global production network for pharmaceutical ingredients.
The site will include three manufacturing workshops with a combined reaction volume of 250 cubic meters. ESTEVE CDMO has also reserved space for more than 150 additional cubic meters of future capacity, which could bring the facility’s total reaction volume to more than 400 cubic meters as demand grows.
The project expands ESTEVE CDMO’s manufacturing capabilities in Asia and complements its existing network of development and production sites in Spain, the United States, Mexico, and China.
The Shaoxing facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies, automation, and digital systems, including a centralized control center. It will also include warehousing, office space, utilities, and other infrastructure designed to support future capacity additions.
ESTEVE CDMO specializes in small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients and pharmaceutical intermediates. Across its broader manufacturing network, the company offers technologies including spray drying and high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing, supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers from early development through commercial production.
Environmental, health, and safety considerations were also incorporated into the new site’s design. The facility received a “Very Good” BREEAM rating and has been selected as a candidate for the BREEAM China Awards.
The investment extends ESTEVE’s more than two-decade presence in China. The company entered the country in 2000 through its first local joint venture and has since developed manufacturing expertise and relationships in the region.
The new plant is intended to bring additional capacity closer to pharmaceutical customers across China and the broader Asian market while also functioning as part of ESTEVE CDMO’s global manufacturing platform.
ESTEVE CDMO is part of Barcelona-based Esteve Healthcare. The CDMO operates six development and manufacturing sites globally and focuses on supporting complex small-molecule programs with development, manufacturing, regulatory, and commercial supply capabilities.
The Shaoxing expansion represents a significant step in ESTEVE CDMO’s broader strategy to increase manufacturing scale, add technological flexibility, and support pharmaceutical partners across multiple geographies.
KEY QUOTES:
“This investment is an important step in the sustained growth of ESTEVE CDMO and our global manufacturing platform. Strengthening our presence in China allows us to bring our capabilities closer to customers in Asia while leveraging the expertise of our global network. Our ambition is clear: to build a leading global CDMO business with the capabilities and flexibility to support our partners worldwide. This is what drives us: making a difference for patients and contributing to our shared purpose of improving lives together.”
Joan Petit, President Of ESTEVE CDMO
“It is a privilege to witness ESTEVE’s continued commitment to China and the region. This investment is a clear example of the value that long-term commitment, expertise and innovation can bring to the local community.”
Francisco De Asís Benítez Salas, Consul General Of Spain In Shanghai
