Rentschler doubles manufacturing capacity to address growing demand for biopharmaceuticals

Innovative Twin system with two 3,000-L bioreactors and associated downstream processing equipment put into operation. Second significant expansion in one year.

With the growing demand for biopharmaceuticals and increased industry manufacturing outsourcing, Rentschler made the decision to more than double its manufacturing capacity, investing a total of EUR 24 million. The twin system, which utilizes state-of-the-art technology, was completed 3 months ahead of schedule. Proteins for the clinical development of drug candidates, as well as already approved drugs, will be produced, for example used for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases.

Dr Frank Mathias, CEO of Rentschler Biotechnologie GmbH, commented: "The growing demand for biopharmaceuticals and the rising number of drug candidates in clinical development was recognized by Rentschler early on. For this reason, the company has been strategically expanding its manufacturing capacity, most recently in 2015. Today, only one year later, we have completed another major step in this expansion, achieving an important milestone in the longstanding track record of Rentschler. An increase in sales of over 30% in the past 2 years has enabled us to make this significant investment. We have already received manufacturing orders for the new facility, extending into 2018. Increasingly, our growth is being driven by international business, with more and more orders coming from abroad, particularly the US."

With the continued growth of the biopharmaceutical industry and the company’s own growth and success, Rentschler is planning to significantly increase the size of its workforce by creating approximately 200 new jobs. The company is looking to hire a variety of skilled employees, including process engineers and laboratory technicians in bioprocess development and manufacturing as well as GMP experts, as it continues to expand its business.