UCB to build new biotech manufacturing plant in Belgium

Capacity to serve global late-stage development and commercial manufacturing of monoclonal antibody drug substance to support new product launches.

The new facility, representing an investment of more than 300 million euros over the coming years, is expected to be operational in 2024. Construction is due to start in the first quarter of 2020. The biotechnology plant will be one of the largest and most modern in Belgium.

“The shift of our pipeline towards large molecules requires us to ramp up investment in mammalian technical development, as well as our manufacturing capabilities. We are convinced Braine l’Alleud is an ideal location for the implementation of this large-scale manufacturing facility. And the presence of our Biotech Sciences Team, Bio-Pilot plant and diverse research capabilities on the same site will ensure accelerated product launches and supply reliability,” said Dr Kirsten Lund-Jurgensen, EVP and Head of Supply & Technology at UCB.

Construction of the new biomanufacturing plant will also have a positive effect on employment. UCB is expecting to create more than 150 new, high skilled jobs once the plant becomes fully operational.