Evonik starts Fermas biotechnology expansion in Slovakia
- Approximately EUR 80 million investment to expand Evonik’s biotechnology capabilities and CDMO drug-substance services.
- Project completion is expected in early 2028 and the expansion will create about 50 new jobs at the Fermas site.
- The project adds state-of-the-art downstream fermentation technology to increase capacity for complex pharmaceutical intermediates.
- Fermas operates on 100% green electricity, has 30+ years of fermentation expertise and hosts the world’s first industrial-scale rhamnolipid biosurfactant facility.
Project overview
Evonik has broken ground on a biotechnology expansion at its Fermas site in Slovenská Ľupča, Slovakia, as the next major milestone in an approximately EUR 80 million investment to strengthen biotechnology capabilities and its drug-substance CDMO services. The expansion will add downstream fermentation technology to increase development and manufacturing capacity for complex pharmaceutical intermediates and is expected to be completed in early 2028, creating roughly 50 new jobs.
Technology and sustainability
The investment focuses on advanced precision fermentation and downstream processing to support production of complex molecules. The article notes fermentation routes can reduce reliance on organic solvents and lower process-related waste compared with conventional chemical synthesis. The Fermas site already operates on 100 percent green electricity and uses renewable and certified raw materials in selected processes.
Site role and history
Founded in 1992, the Fermas site has evolved from amino-acid production into a strategic biotechnology manufacturing hub serving pharmaceutical, personal care, nutrition and specialty-chemical markets. The site previously launched the world’s first industrial-scale rhamnolipid biosurfactant production facility and maintains close links with local universities to support staffing and innovation.
Business impact
The expansion builds on more than three decades of fermentation expertise and is intended to reinforce Evonik’s precision fermentation platform and contract-manufacturing capabilities for drug substances.
Source: Evonik