Sandoz expands sterile penicillin production in Austria

Sandoz has responded to strong global demand for antibiotics by expanding its production capabilities in Kundl, Austria.

The generics specialist has added two new floors to its existing site in the European nation,  increasing the number of powder facilities from ten to 12, with a planned annual capacity of more than 150 million vials.

A total of 30 new jobs will be created as a result of this expansion, in addition to the 200 people currently employed by Sandoz at the centre.

Kundl is Sandoz's largest production site and one of the world's leading antibiotics manufacturing locations, as well as being the last remaining fully integrated penicillin producer in the western world.

Jeff George, global head of Sandoz, said: "The additional lines increase security of supply for the market and allow us to respond quickly to changing needs in the fast-paced generics business."

Last year, the company generated an annual sales total of 2.4 billion euros, which was up by four percent year on year thanks to strong demand for its product Fougera.