Celltrion is moving to expand production facilities in an investment exceeding 1 trillion won. The move aims to respond to surging global demand for biopharmaceuticals.
The company plans to go beyond simple capacity expansion and fully pursue a "global two-track" strategy that encompasses new drugs, biosimilars, and contract manufacturing (CMO).
Celltrion said on the 24th that it will invest 1.2265 trillion won to expand its fourth and fifth plants with a combined capacity of 180,000 liters at its headquarters campus in Songdo, Incheon. The investment will proceed in phases from this year through 2030, with a focus on expanding production bases in both Songdo and the United States at the same time.
The new fourth and fifth plants will adopt automation systems and smart factory technology. The flexible setup, from small-batch multi-product runs to mass production, will secure a simultaneous foundation for next-generation biosimilars and drug candidates under development.
It will also step up its push into the U.S. market. Celltrion decided to expand the Branchburg, New Jersey, plant from the previously planned 66,000 liters to 75,000 liters. As a result, the site's total production capacity will rise to 141,000 liters. By expanding local production, the company aims to meet U.S. demand and grow its CMO business in tandem.
Once the domestic and overseas expansions are complete, Celltrion's drug substance (DS) production capacity (capa, Capa) will increase from 316,000 liters to 571,000 liters. The company said it expects to achieve 100% in-house DS production and significantly boost cost competitiveness.
The company is also strengthening its drug product (DP) production capabilities. The DP-dedicated plant under construction in Songdo has surpassed 70% completion and is slated for completion within the year. Once online, it will be able to produce 6.5 million vials annually, and combined with the existing second plant's 4 million vials, Songdo alone will have an annual capacity of 10.5 million vials.
It also plans to push ahead with building a new drug product (DP) plant in the Yesan industrial complex in South Chungcheong. The company said that when the Yesan DP plant is completed and later expanded to include Celltrion Pharm's pre-filled syringe (PFS) facilities, the group will be able to produce about 90% of its total DP volume in-house.
With this investment, Celltrion plans to internalize the entire production process to secure both cost savings and supply stability. A company official said, "By proactively responding to rising global demand, this will serve as a turning point to sharply improve profitability," adding, "We will expand the CMO business with new drugs and biosimilars as dual pillars and leap to the global top tier."