AGC Pharma Chemicals inaugurated its new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Malgrat de Mar, Barcelona, representing an investment of over 100 million euros. The new facility marks a key milestone in the company’s growth strategy and its long-term commitment to developing life-saving therapies, especially in oncology and other high-potency therapeutic areas. It represents a 30% increase in the company’s production capacity and introduces a segment dedicated to highly potent active ingredients (HPAPI).
This strategic expansion strengthens the company’s long-term commitment to innovation, sustainability, and research, and will catalyze the socioeconomic development of Catalonia by creating qualified job opportunities and attracting scientific and industrial talent. It also reinforces Catalonia’s position as a global leader in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
The official opening ceremony featured speeches from AGC Pharma Chemicals CEO Jun Kurihara and AGC Inc. CTO Hideyuki Kurata, along with distinguished guests such as Akiko Shikata, Consul General of Japan in Barcelona; Sonia Viñolas, Mayor of Malgrat de Mar; and Miquel Samper, Minister of Business and Employment of the Government of Catalonia.
In his inaugural speech, CEO Jun Kurihara highlighted the importance of the new plant: “This facility is more than a building: it is a symbol of our commitment to health, innovation, and sustainability. With this expansion, we increase our production capacity and reinforce our mission to improve people’s lives through the highest quality pharmaceutical manufacturing. We are deeply grateful for the support of institutions and our team, and proud to do this here in Catalonia.”
Mayor Sonia Viñolas emphasized: “The expansion of this chemical plant is not only an industrial milestone, but a testament to the talent, effort, and passion of all the people who believed in it.”
Minister Miquel Samper added: “The Government celebrates the inauguration of AGC’s new plant and its commitment to our region. This high-value project in such a crucial sector for the Catalan economy, the chemical-pharmaceutical sector, will contribute to the creation of highly qualified jobs.”
A strategic investment in innovation and sustainability
The 7,500 m² expansion represents a 30% increase in production capacity and introduces the manufacture of HPAPI (Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) at OEB5 level, enabling AGC to meet growing demand from clinical development to commercial supply. Designed to handle volumes from grams to tons, the plant covers the entire drug development lifecycle: from initial R&D to commercial manufacturing.
Its infrastructure incorporates cutting-edge technologies to safely and efficiently manage OEB5-level HPAPI, including advanced reactors ranging from 1.5 to 7.4 m³ and specific containment areas for HPAPI.
The plant’s horizontal layout was conceived to optimize operational control, space utilization, and long-term scalability. It is equipped with systems that meet the highest global standards of safety and quality. Additionally, its modular design allows for seamless integration of future technologies and expansion of its high-containment capabilities.
A comprehensive HPAPI ecosystem
Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (HPAPI) represent the forefront of targeted therapies, enabling treatments capable of combating complex diseases with unprecedented precision. Global demand for HPAPI continues to rise, although their manufacture presents unique challenges, such as containment risks, scalability, and regulatory complexity.
AGC Pharma Chemicals has all the facilities ready to scale HPAPI manufacturing:
- R&D Center
- Kilo laboratory
- Quality control laboratories
- Manufacturing plant
With over 20 years of operations without FDA 483 observations and a strong commitment to sustainable innovation, AGC offers comprehensive solutions from discovery to commercialization, setting the industry standard in safety, quality, and flexibility.
AGC’s leadership in high-potency manufacturing was recently recognized by the industry with the 2025 CDMO Leadership Awards in the Best Manufacturing Capability category.
