The Catalan Esteve invests more than 70 million in a new plant in China
The pharmaceutical company strengthens the business of manufacturing active ingredients for third parties in the Asian country
BarcelonaEsteve CDMO, the Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) business of the Catalan pharmaceutical company, will invest 80 million dollars, equivalent to a little over 71 million euros, in a new production plant in China. This was announced in a statement this Wednesday, in which they detail that the move will serve to undertake the "relocation, expansion, and modernization" of its operations in the Asian giant.
The new plant, located in the Chinese city of Shaoxing, "significantly expands Esteve CDMO's manufacturing capabilities in Asia," the company asserts. As they detail, the new facilities have three manufacturing areas, for a total reaction volume of 250 cubic meters; with an additional 150 cubic meters available for future expansions, which would be undertaken "as production needs evolve."
Both the design and the operation of the facility will incorporate environmental, health, and safety criteria, according to the company. In fact, the new plant already has theVery Good rating from the BREEAM building sustainability certificate.
With this operation, Esteve reinforces its presence in a market where it has been operating for more than 20 years. The Catalan company landed in China in the year 2000, with a first joint initiative in the country. The Chinese industrial capabilities are part of a global technological platform that allows Esteve CDMO to offer specialized technologies such as the manufacturing of high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The new investment culminates a period of growth for the Catalan pharmaceutical company. The company, as it communicated in April, increased its revenue by 11% year-on-year in 2025, to 828 million euros. Last year, Esteve increased its operating profit (EBITDA) to 151 million, 19% in year-on-year terms. Its two business segments, Pharma and CDMO, recorded similar growth, within the expectations of the company's roadmap.
An "important step" in growth
The new investment in China allows the company to "bring capabilities closer to pharmaceutical companies in Asia, while leveraging the experience and knowledge of the global network," according to Esteve CDMO president, Joan Petit. The Catalan company's goal is to "consolidate itself as a leading global CDMO, with the capabilities and flexibility necessary to provide service to the whole world," the executive explained.
For his part, the Consul General of Spain in Shanghai, Francisco de Asís Benítez Salas, celebrated "Esteve's commitment to China and the region." "This investment is a clear example of the value that long-term vision, innovation, and specialization can bring to the local community," he praised.
