Catalan pharmaceutical group STE Pharmaceuticals to establish production and R&D in Couvet

Barcelona-based STE Pharmaceuticals plans to convert the former Analytecon plant in Couvet, in the canton of Neuchâtel, into a production site and an R&D department, with completion targeted for 2032.

STE Pharmaceuticals, a Catalan pharmaceutical group present in more than 60 countries, plans to set up a production site and a research and development department in the former Analytecon pharmaceutical plant. The group specializes in nasal sprays, cough syrups and natural food supplements, and will operate in Switzerland through its entity STE Swiss Pharma.

A 15,000 m² site by 2032

The project involves transforming the existing plant, including demolition work, to reach a total of 15,000 m² by 2032. A building permit application has been filed, and the public consultation runs until November 9. According to Stefano Ponta, administrator of STE Swiss Pharma, who spoke to the local news agency RTN, the site will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Ponta says the main objective in coming to Switzerland was to create a research and development department. The group aims to create skilled jobs, but it is too early to give a number, he adds.

A growing pharma cluster

STE Swiss Pharma joins three pharmaceutical companies already based in Couvet: WuXi AppTec, through WuXi STA, Sintetica and GMT Fine Chemicals. Matthieu Aubert, Head of the Service of the Economy for the canton of Neuchâtel (Invest Neuchâtel), sees the arrival of international players as an interesting prospect to diversify the local economy, and sees potential for Couvet to become a pharma cluster that could attract skilled workers.