Gedeon Richter Plc’s Biotechnology Plant, which plays a key role in Debrecen’s economy, was commissioned in 2012 in the Industrial Park in Határ Street. Thanks to substantial improvements made since then, the division developing and producing biosimilar products was further expanded in 2016 and the Molecular Biology Lab was opened in March 2018. With these steps, the total investment in Debrecen has now exceeded HUF 40 billion.
At the same time, the expansion of research and production capacity has created new demand for office infrastructure, which Richter is going to address by investing an additional HUF 2 billion. The new office building was built as part of an approximately HUF 15 billion capacity development programme launched in 2016, which Richter will implement with a total state contribution of nearly HUF 5 billion based on an individual government decision. The creation of a modern building complex that provides community and office functions represents the same technological quality that characterises the company’s R&D and manufacturing processes.
Erik Bogsch, Chairman of Gedeon Richter Plc said in his opening address: “This event represents another important stage in our efforts to provide a competitive and inspiring environment for a highly skilled workforce, which can help us keep talented career-starters and experienced professionals in Hungary.”
“Thanks to our investments in Debrecen, we have the only biotechnology facility in Hungary, which is unique in the Central and Eastern European region by doing cell line research and development, production, packaging and quality control at a single location. This would not have been possible without outstanding domestic intellectual performance, i.e. a well-prepared and highly qualified team of professionals. The new office building will be given to them, and our goal is to provide them, our talented Hungarian colleagues, with an attractive work environment that promotes creativity and cooperation, where they can perform at their best,” added Gábor Orbán, CEO of Gedeon Richter Plc.
The building complex built on a total floor space of 3,500 sqm has 68 new office workstations, a restaurant, a conference hall, meeting rooms equipped with state-of-the-art infocommunication technology, a doctor’s consultation room, facilities for mechanical and electronic systems as well as a server room.
The excellent cooperation that has been established in recent years between the Municipality of Debrecen and Gedeon Richter Plc has also played a key role in launching this project.
Mayor of Debrecen Dr László Papp also delivered a speech at the event, stressing that: “Gedeon Richter is one of the most innovative and competitive large companies in Hungary, for which the exceptionally high level of expertise of the Company’s managers and employees is essential. Richter’s presence in Debrecen and the office building that is now being inaugurated demonstrate that Debrecen is extremely competitive in terms of innovation and knowledge-intensive industries. I am proud to be the leader of a city where Richter is present and is doing research, development and manufacturing work.”
“We are on the best path to making Debrecen the economic driver of the 21st century, both in terms of innovation, new technologies and development. It is therefore a great pleasure for us to see that Richter has not only found a home in Debrecen, but it is also constantly developing and growing,” said Lajos Kósa, Member of Parliament at the ceremony.
In his speech, Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, emphasized: “Today, the Richter brand will be further strengthened, as we are celebrating the inauguration of the new, multifunctional innovative office building of the Company’s Biotechnology Plant in Debrecen. (…) We are grateful to Richter for making sure that no drug supply problems have occurred during the extremely difficult period of recent months. This clearly shows the importance of nationally owned companies in key industries taking the lead, for which the smooth operation of the domestic market is not only a matter of organization or profitability, but also a matter of the heart. That is why it is important that we can count on Richter as a Hungarian company even in the most difficult times.”
When designing the building, Richter paid particular attention to the use of innovative, environmentally conscious solutions, including a roof-mounted solar system, which supplies a significant part of the power that the building needs. Additionally, low energy consumption is ensured by surface cooling/heating systems built into the walls.