Through these investments, Orion is modernising production technology and infrastructure, increasing manufacturing capacity, and improving operational reliability and manufacturing flexibility. The projects support the production of growing export products. At the same time, Orion is building readiness for the manufacturing of future small-molecule innovative medicines, should our development projects succeed and receive marketing authorisation.
The investments are targeted at our pharmaceutical manufacturing sites in Espoo and Turku as well as our active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production sites in Hanko and Oulu. The combined value of the investments exceeds EUR 100 million.
“These extensive investments demonstrate our long-term commitment to pharmaceutical manufacturing in Europe. We are making upgrades to numerous stages of our manufacturing network, from the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients to finished medicines and quality control. This enables us to meet growing demand, improve operational efficiency and prepare for the manufacture of new pharmaceutical innovations,” says Juhani Kankaanpää, Executive Vice President, Global Operations.
These extensive investments demonstrate our long-term commitment to pharmaceutical manufacturing in Europe.
Turku: Orion modernises quality control and tablet manufacturing and expands hormone gel production
In Turku, Orion is carrying out three projects that will modernise quality control and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, equipment and building systems.
The Turku Chemical Quality Control laboratory will be renovated and expanded from approximately 950 square metres to more than 1,600 square metres. The laboratory analyses, among other things, incoming raw materials and active pharmaceutical ingredients manufactured at the Hanko site. The laboratory is therefore a critical part of Orion’s manufacturing network and the release of products for production. The laboratory project is scheduled for completion in 2029.
At the Turku tablet manufacturing department, Orion will construct a new technical building and modernise production facilities and equipment. The project will improve production reliability and the conditions required for the manufacture of current and potential future medicines. The facility project is scheduled for completion in 2028, while equipment modernisation will continue until 2030.
In addition, Orion Pharma is also investing in Turku to increase production capacity for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) products and improve manufacturing flexibility in response to growing demand. Hormonal gels manufactured at the Turku site are used in the treatment of menopause symptoms.
Espoo: Orion increases tablet manufacturing capacity and efficiency
Orion is investing in new tablet manufacturing technology also in Espoo. The project includes the installation of a new large-scale coating drum and a blender that enables larger production batches than currently possible. At the same time, the necessary modifications and extensions will be made to the production facilities.
The upgrade will increase tablet manufacturing capacity and improve production efficiency. The project is scheduled for completion in 2029.
Hanko and Oulu: API manufacturing capacity will be expanded and modernised
At our Fermion API manufacturing site in Hanko, we will renovate previously unused areas of the plant and equip them with new production lines. The new facilities and equipment can be utilised in the future for the manufacture of different active pharmaceutical ingredients. The expanded production facilities are expected to be operational during 2028.
In Oulu, at the world’s northernmost API production site, we are similarly renovating and expanding one of the site’s production modules. The project includes upgrades to production equipment and automation and improvements in the handling of highly potent compounds and versatile production processes. The modernised production module will provide Fermion with greater flexibility in the manufacture of both Orion’s own products and active pharmaceutical ingredients produced for external customers. The project is scheduled for completion in 2027.
“Through these investments, we are ensuring that our production technology and infrastructure continue to develop alongside our products, operations and international demand,” says Juhani Kankaanpää.