Rentschler Biopharma expands CDMO facilities in Germany

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The expansion will involve the construction of a new buffer media facility and represents the largest investment from Rentschler at its Germany headquarters.

Rentschler Biopharma, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) will be increasing its production at its headquarters in Laupheim with the construction of a state-of-the-art buffer media station. The new four-story facility is slated to open by the end of 2027 and be fully operational by 2028.

“The new buffer media facility at our Laupheim site in Germany will utilize high-precision automation systems, at par with industry standards in automation and digitalization. These will streamline production workflows, minimize manual intervention, and enhance data-driven decision-making through real-time monitoring and data analytics,” said Christiane Bardroff, Chief Operating Officer of Rentschler Biopharma.

“We are also integrating digitalized processes for buffer and media preparation in enclosed environments, ensuring the highest levels of hygiene and safety. Additionally, predictive maintenance and real-time quality control will allow for proactive management, ultimately reducing downtime and enhancing process stability. Our vision is to create a connected facility that supports seamless data flows across the value chain.”

The new facility will cover 3,400 square meters and include three media tanks and six buffer tanks. Rentschler’s investment in its construction, which a company representative confirmed to be in the high double-digit million range, is the largest single investment at the Laupheim site to date. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2025, and the facility is expected to be fully operational by 2028.   

Over the past few months, Rentschler Biopharma has announced expansions across its three sites in the US, UK and Germany. The company’s growth strategy is a response to the increasing global demand for biopharmaceutical products.

“Our growth is fundamentally driven by the expanding and evolving needs of our clients and the biopharma industry for the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. As a CDMO, we see it as our responsibility to support our clients in transforming innovative ideas into life-saving biopharmaceuticals,” said Bardroff.

“This commitment has led to substantial investments across our global sites: our new production line in Greater Boston enhances our US footprint; our expanded ATMP capabilities at our Stevenage, UK site, including lentiviral vector manufacturing, strengthen our ability to meet growing demand in advanced therapies; and now, our buffer media station at our headquarters in Laupheim, Germany, will further modernize and automate our infrastructure to meet rising client expectations.”