AGC Pharma Chemicals has a new plant at the Barcelona site, reinforcing its position as a global CDMO leader in small molecule API and HPAPI manufacturing.
Designed to deliver maximum flexibility, safety, and energy efficiency, this new facility expands AGC’s end-to-end API & HPAPI capabilities, from gram-scale to ton production, under the highest quality and sustainability standards.
Advanced Production Technology
The new plant is equipped with cutting-edge technology for the safe and efficient synthesis of APIs and HPAPIs.
It includes dedicated areas compliant with OEB4/OEB5 containment standards, ensuring the highest level of operator protection and product integrity.
Key technical features include:
- An HPAPI line equipped with split-valve charging systems for safe and contained handling of potent powders. These systems operate within dedicated isolated areas designed to provide maximum containment and ensure the highest level of operator protection.
- A cryogenic reactor capable of supporting a broad range of specialized and highly exothermic reactions.
- An API line equipped with full edge technology.
- Interconnecting panels that allow flexible process configurations, and dual-blade agitators for improved homogenization in low-volume batches.
This design ensures seamless adaptation of manufacturing capabilities to customer needs, from early-stage development to commercial-scale production, with the possibility of further expansions as future projects require.
Flexibility and End-to-End Capability
The new plant has been conceived to provide unmatched flexibility across the entire HPAPI and API manufacturing chain.
Its modular layout and integrated utilities enable rapid transitions between processes and efficient scale-up, ensuring responsiveness to the evolving demands of the pharmaceutical industry.
With this new plant, AGC Pharma Chemicals can now support customers throughout the full lifecycle of API and HPAPI projects — from gram-scale development to ton commercial supply — while maintaining the highest standards of quality, containment, and operational safety.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Sustainability has been a core design principle for the new plant, fully aligned with AGC Pharma Chemicals’ environmental responsibility strategy.
This commitment was further recognized when the company was awarded the Platinum Medal by EcoVadis, the world’s leading provider of corporate sustainability ratings—an achievement that places AGC among the top 1% of the most responsible and sustainable companies worldwide.
The facility has achieved LEED certification, recognizing excellence in sustainable design and energy performance.
Key sustainability features include:
- A steam condensate recovery system improving energy efficiency and minimizing water usage.
- Photovoltaic solar façade panels generating renewable electricity for plant operations.
- Solar thermal panels for sustainable hot water production, reducing reliance on conventional heating.
- Energy-efficient compressed air systems, water recycling for irrigation, and a low-consumption nitrogen blanketing system, which ensure operational safety while optimizing resource use.
These measures significantly reduce the facility’s environmental footprint and strengthen AGC’s long-term sustainability commitments.
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