French multinational Besins Healthcare, which specialises in innovative therapies for gynaecology, fertility, obstetrics, endocrinology and andrology, has decided to set up its first factory in Spain. Supported by Invest In Spain during the process of searching for possible locations, the firm has finally opted for the town of Muel (Zaragoza).

The company has already acquired premises covering 9,800 square metres on the El Pitarco industrial estate, where work has now begun on installing the equipment. Testing is to begin in the summer. The aim is to start production of medicines in both capsule and gel form in the second half of this year.

An investment of regional interest
The Government of Aragón has classified the project as an investment of regional interest, and which will make it possible to reduce the time required to complete the necessary administrative procedures. An investment of 25 million euros is planned, and this may increase in the future as the company is talking about a stable process over a period of decades. It will also mean the creation of 150 stable, high skilled jobs.

Senior executives for the multinational held a meeting with the President of Aragón, Javier Lambán, and Regional Minister Marta Gastón, before holding a joint press conference to present the project (pictured). For Lambán this is a particularly welcome investment, as it will have a direct impact in rural areas, contributing to regeneration and helping to stem depopulation.

Pharmaceutical standards
The President of Besins Healthcare, Antoine Besins, says the choice of location was based on objective industrial parameters. The company was looking for a suitable site in several countries, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Ireland - always within the European Union and in order to be able to apply the mandatory pharmaceutical standards. The welcome from the authorities and the support given to companies in the industry have been decisive.

Specifically, factors weighing in favour of Muel were geographical location and transport links, as well as the availability of premises that met the company’s needs. On the other hand, the town’s proximity to the city of Zaragoza and its university will help to attract qualified staff who will be able to participate going forward in the research and development of new products.

In his statement to the media, Besins said, "This is a very important decision for us, because we know what it will mean for society as a whole. We’re talking about building a new factory, and in these times this is even more important given the logistical problems we’re seeing. We’ll have a high-quality factory with highly skilled staff.”

^{Photo: Government of Aragón}