Sandoz opened a new antibiotic production facility in Kundl on Friday. The investment of 150 million euros is intended to prevent dependence on Asia. Energy consumption and CO2 emissions can be reduced by 90 percent, creating 60 additional jobs.
The antibiotic pioneer from Kundl stays fit for the future! “This is the only remaining penicillin production in the Western world,” said Sandoz Austria boss Peter Stenico, outlining the importance of the plant, which was built in just two years. It is intended to contribute to security of supply in Europe – “even though we make many contracts about three years in advance and of course deliver them all over the world,” he added. Penicillin will be important in medicine for decades to come.
200 million parcels for 100 countries
In total, production includes approximately 4,000 tons of active ingredients per year, with approximately 200 million packages for 100 countries. “The 150 million euros invested shows the commitment to the Kundl location,” emphasized Richard Saynor, CEO of Sandoz, who came especially for the event.
Minister of Economic Affairs Martin Kocher (ÖVP) also came to receive the thank you for the subsidy from the federal government (45 million euros). The State of Tyrol contributed 5 million euros and LH Anton Mattle humorously recalled his beginnings as a young electrical engineer, servicing Elin compressors at what was then known as Biochemistry.
“Tempting other offers for Sandoz”
“Sandoz is getting tempting new offers around the world when it comes to new locations,” Mattle said. However, he referred to “trust and friendship” that would help secure domestic production in the future. Tyrol will do its homework when it comes to training and the energy issue.
Speaking of energy: the system saves electricity on the order of 12,000 households; overall consumption is comparable to that of the city of Innsbruck! Minister Kocher especially praised the fact that research and production are perfectly combined here. The economic policy environment must be preserved.
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
