Start of production is planned for 2024, and BASF said it will explore the potential for a “deeper involvement” at the Austrian campus, which it noted has 75 years of biotechnology practice and corresponding infrastructure. “This investment is a clear sign of our commitment to the enzymes and biotechnology industry, said Michael De Marco, vice president Global Business Management Enzymes.

With the investment, Soeren Hildebrandt, senior vice president Home Care, I&I and Industrial Formulators Europe at BASF, said the Ludwigshafen-based group will be able to help customers to address key market needs such as cleaning products with superior sustainability profiles and new product formats, based on its innovative enzyme technology.

BASF will be the first external customer for the Life Science campus that the Swiss drugmaker is seeking to develop for the site in Austria’s Tyrol region, which in addition to accommodating Sandoz’ generics facilities is part of the Novartis anti-infectives platform. Specialized in biologics, from R&D to finished products, production there has a focus on antibiotics.

"Tyrol is a key location for our global production network. Our investments in Kundl and Schaftenau reinforce our commitment to the region," said Steffen Lang, head of Novartis Technical Operations and member of the Novartis executive committee. "With the further development into a Life Science Park and the settlement of BASF, an important player in the field of biotechnology, we are strengthening the competence and innovation capacity of the area."

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist