ESTEVE CDMO, the contract development and manufacturing organization of ESTEVE, has announced an investment of more than USD 80 million to relocate, expand, and modernize its existing manufacturing operations in China.

The investment is described as strengthening the company's global manufacturing footprint through a new site in Shaoxing, announced on 21 October 2026.

Expanded capacity and room for growth

The new Shaoxing facility includes three manufacturing workshops with a total reaction volume of 250 m³. More than 150 m³ of that volume is reserved for further development, allowing potential total reaction volume to reach more than 400 m³ as manufacturing needs evolve.

According to the company, the site significantly expands ESTEVE CDMO's manufacturing capabilities in Asia, combining increased capacity, advanced technologies, and flexibility for future growth.

Leadership perspective

Joan Petit, President of ESTEVE CDMO, framed the investment as part of the organization's longer-term trajectory. "This investment is an important step in the sustained growth of ESTEVE CDMO and our global manufacturing platform," Petit said. "Strengthening our presence in China allows us to bring our capabilities closer to customers in Asia while leveraging the expertise of our global network."

He added that the company's ambition is "to build a leading global CDMO business with the capabilities and flexibility to support our partners worldwide," describing the driving purpose as "making a difference for patients and contributing to our shared purpose of improving lives together."

A two-decade presence in China

ESTEVE's presence in China dates to 2000, when the company established its first joint venture in the country. The new investment marks what the company calls a new chapter in more than 20 years of manufacturing presence in the region and a continuation of its long-term commitment there.

The China operations form part of the company's global technology platform and complement capabilities across its established manufacturing network in Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Technology platform and services

Through this integrated footprint, ESTEVE CDMO offers technologies such as spray drying and HPAPI manufacturing.

These capabilities support the increasingly complex requirements of small-molecule API development and manufacturing for customers across China, Asia, and international markets.

Diplomatic endorsement

The investment also drew comment from Spanish diplomatic representation in China. Francisco de Asís Benítez Salas, Consul General of Spain in Shanghai, said, "It is a privilege to witness ESTEVE's continued commitment to China and the region.

This investment is a clear example of the value that long-term commitment, expertise, and innovation can bring to the local community."

Sustainability and safety built into design

Environmental, health, and safety considerations are integrated into the design and operation of the new facility. The site has achieved a "Very Good" BREEAM rating, recognizing its sustainability performance and approach to responsible design and operation. In addition, the project has been selected as a candidate for the BREEAM China Awards.

These efforts form part of ESTEVE's broader commitment to creating positive impact, which the company links to its B Corp Certification and its stated focus on high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Outlook for the manufacturing platform

According to the company, the continued development of ESTEVE CDMO's manufacturing platform strengthens its capabilities, technology, and international reach, supporting the long-term needs of pharmaceutical partners.

The Shaoxing investment stands as the latest step in a strategy centered on bringing manufacturing capabilities closer to customers in Asia while maintaining the expertise of a global network spanning three continents.

Staying Ahead of China's Pharmaceutical Boom Starts with the Right Intelligence

From cutting-edge drug development to advanced manufacturing facilities, China's pharmaceutical industry is evolving at an unprecedented scale and speed. The question is, will you discover the next opportunity before your competitors do?

The Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research provides you with real-time insights into pharmaceutical project pipelines, stakeholder movements, and procurement activities across every major market in China, enabling you to seize opportunities at the right moment, rather than after they are reported in the news.

Whether you're targeting developers, EPC contractors, equipment suppliers, or financiers, having structured, verified project data changes how you plan outreach, allocate resources, and forecast demand.

• Upcoming Projects

• Tender Notices

• Contract Awards

• Projects Under Construction

• Completed Projects

Book a Free Demo today and see how the Global Project Tracking (GPT) platform by Blackridge Research can sharpen your competitive edge across China.