Healthcare technology company Nipro has announced plans to build a new manufacturing plant for renal care products in Lleida. The Japanese company will invest EUR 25 million in this project, which represents a significant expansion of its industrial presence in Europe, where it has nine of its 70 factories. It also underscores the company’s long-term commitment to manufacturing in Spain.

The Lleida plant, which the company refers to as Project Zenith, involves relocating and expanding Nipro’s current operations in Mollerussa, which is in the same province. The new facility will take over the production of acid concentrates and bicarbonate cartridges – two essential products for haemodialysis treatment – from the current factory, and will have the infrastructure and capacity required to meet growing demand.

Future development
The facilities at the future plant have been designed with scalability in mind. They will therefore have space for future development as Nipro’s European operations continue to evolve. They are expected to become operational in 2028.

The project was launched when the Mollerussa plant’s capacity for growth became limited, making the construction of new facilities more suitable than investing in an upgrade to its technological capacity. The new factory, located 21.5 kilometres from the current one, will provide a modern and efficient environment, and the company does not believe that it will significantly affect its staff in terms of commuting, owing to its proximity.

Long-term commitment
Nipro Medical Europe CEO Serge Kemps explained, “These new facilities represent far more than an expansion of our operations. They establish a lasting presence for Nipro in Catalonia and reflect our long-term commitment to the region.” From Lleida, he added, “We will strengthen our capacity to serve patients, healthcare professionals and partners across Europe, while contributing to the local community and economy.”

In addition to production, Nipro has expressed its intention to collaborate with regional academic institutions, including the University of Lleida, in order to create internship opportunities, dual training programmes and doctoral collaborations with industry.

^{Photo: Nipro}