Bayer Expands Investment in China with Major Capacity Enhancement Project to Ensure Stable Supply of High-Quality Medicines

Beijing, August 26, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bayer today announced the launch of a capacity expansion project at its prescription drug manufacturing plant in Beijing to meet the growing future demand for Bayer’s high-quality medicines in the Chinese market. With an investment exceeding EUR 50 million (more than RMB 400 million), the project aims to significantly increase the production capacity of the Beijing facility and accelerate the implementation of innovative digital solutions, thereby ensuring a stable supply of Bayer’s high-quality prescription drugs and helping more Chinese patients access premium treatment options. Representatives from relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Commerce of China, the German Embassy in China, the Beijing Municipal People’s Government, and the Administrative Committee of the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, attended the groundbreaking ceremony.

Global Executive Vice President of Bayer AG's Prescription Drugs Division and President of China and Asia-Pacific、Jiang Wei, President of Bayer AG’s Greater China region, stated, “We are delighted to see that this project not only marks another milestone in Bayer’s development journey in China but also serves as a new starting point for providing high-quality medicines to more Chinese patients. In the face of the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, our decision to increase investment and expand production capacity in China fully demonstrates Bayer’s firm commitment and confidence. It also reaffirms our original aspiration to serve patients and our determination to contribute to the building of a ‘Healthy China.’”

The new production line is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2022. Upon completion, the annual production capacity of the Beijing facility is projected to increase by approximately 40%, further reinforcing its status as one of Bayer’s most advanced global manufacturing bases for prescription medicines.

To address the severe challenges posed to public health by the high prevalence of chronic diseases, the Chinese government explicitly identified cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and diabetes as key disease areas for prevention and control in the "Healthy China Action Plan (2019-2030)." This year, the COVID-19 pandemic'sViolentThis further underscores the importance of a stable and resilient pharmaceutical supply system to national public health and the well-being of the population.

In 1995, Bayer Pharmaceuticals established its first drug production and packaging facility in the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area. For over two decades, Bayer has leveraged its Beijing plant to consistently ensure the supply of products including Glucobay^®Adalat^®, Bayer Aspirin^®to ensure a stable supply of the company’s high-quality medications for chronic diseases. Meanwhile, Bayer has continuously increased its investment in capacity expansion and technological upgrades. In 2016, the comprehensive expansion project of Bayer Pharmaceuticals’ Beijing plant, with an investment of approximately €100 million, was officially commissioned, making it Bayer Pharmaceuticals’ largest global packaging site.

Mr. Song Kelong, Vice President of Bayer Pharmaceuticals China and Head of Product Supply China, stated: “Bayer sincerely thanks the Beijing Municipal Government and the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area for the favorable environment and strong support provided over the past two decades, which have enabled us to fully leverage our strengths and better meet the growing demand of Chinese patients for high-quality medicines. Through this capacity expansion project, the Beijing manufacturing site will continue to employ world-class production technologies, integrate digital solutions, and adhere to globally unified quality control standards, thereby providing more Chinese patients with Bayer’s high-quality products.”

This capacity expansion project encompasses the production area and supporting technical zones, and will be equipped with new fully automated high-speed production lines and integrated fully automated logistics systems, aiming to establish a world-class manufacturing facility.