SK Plasma, a blood product specialist company, announced on the 15th that it will invest 12 billion won to expand its plasma fractionation product storage facilities in Andong.
The day before, SK Plasma signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Andong City for investment in plasma fractionation production infrastructure.
Accordingly, SK Plasma plans to invest about 12 billion won in phases by 2027 to establish freezing facilities for storing raw plasma and refrigeration facilities for finished pharmaceuticals on a site near the existing Andong fractionation center (7,955.7㎡). Facilities to enhance production operation efficiency, such as a materials warehouse and office space, will also be developed.
The company broke ground on a factory in the Andong Gyeongbuk Bioindustry Complex in 2015, and began full commercial production in 2018. It has facilities capable of fractionating 600,000 liters of plasma annually and produces essential medicines such as albumin and immunoglobulin for domestic and international supply.
Kim Seung-joo, CEO of SK Plasma, said, "With the expansion of storage facilities, conditions have been established to allow for more flexible production and supply of blood products," adding, "We will continue various collaborations with Andong City to stabilize blood product supply and revitalize the regional bioindustry."
Kwon Gi-chang, mayor of Andong City, stated, "The additional investment from SK Plasma is a turning point that will enhance the competitiveness of the regional bioindustry and an important driving force for sustainable growth," and noted, "We plan to strengthen our cooperative relationship through creating an environment conducive to business growth and providing administrative support."
Meanwhile, SK Plasma is constructing a plasma fractionation center in the Karawang area of Indonesia, aiming to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2026, with a processing capacity of 600,000 L annually. To minimize the supply gap for blood products before the factory becomes operational, the company plans to import plasma secured in Indonesia to the Andong plant for contract manufacturing.