Takeda inaugurates CHF 200 million biotechnology facility in Neuchâtel

Takeda has opened a new CHF 200 million biotechnology facility in Neuchâtel to expand aseptic filling capacity for rare disease therapies.

Takeda has inaugurated a new biotechnology facility in Neuchâtel following an investment of CHF 200 million, the largest ever made at the site. The inauguration ceremony brought together representatives from Switzerland and Japan, including Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Toshiro Iijima, Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Switzerland, and Florence Nater, Neuchâtel State Councillor. Senior Takeda leadership, including Global Manufacturing & Supply Officer Thomas Wozniewski and Neuchâtel Site Head Sébastien Bourgeois, also attended the event.

Located in the Pierre-à-Bot industrial area above the city, Takeda’s Neuchâtel site is already one of the canton’s largest employers, with more than 650 employees of over 20 nationalities. The facility plays a central role in the group’s global manufacturing network, producing recombinant therapies supplied to more than 70 markets. This latest investment builds on Takeda’s earlier expansion plans and reflects the strategic importance of Neuchâtel as a long-term production base.

A state-of-the-art aseptic filling plant

The new facility integrates multiple processes essential to sterile biologics production, including formulation, aseptic filling, freeze-drying, sealing and automated quality control. Designed as a highly digitalized “factory of the future,” the site incorporates advanced automation systems intended to increase reliability, throughput and traceability while reducing manual handling.

According to Takeda, the infrastructure will support the company’s objective of improving access to life-changing treatments for patients with rare diseases in more than 80 countries. “Thanks to this new infrastructure, we can treat more patients while contributing to the economic and industrial development of the region,” said Thomas Wozniewski.

Strengthening Neuchâtel’s life sciences ecosystem

The expansion consolidates Neuchâtel’s position as a leading hub for advanced biomanufacturing in Western Switzerland, a region known for its concentration of precision industries, medtech expertise and research institutions such as CSEM, Microcity and the University of Neuchâtel. Takeda also collaborates closely with cantonal authorities, academic partners and vocational training initiatives, further embedding the site within the local innovation ecosystem.