The Paris-based contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) announced the plan after revealing it will buy an oral solid dose facility in Leganés, Spain from Roche.
COO Jeff Morrod told us acquiring the US compliant facility fits with Famar’s growth strategy.
"We liked the product portfolio [made at the Leganés facility] and we liked that the fact it is US FDA compliant."
He added that: “We will consider buying more facilities in Europe and the US in line with our growth strategy, part of which is to expand our business in North America.”
Famar is unlikely to buy any facilities in Asia according to Morrod, who said: “While I would never rule anything out, we are focused on expanding our manufacturing capacity, capabilities and business in Europe and North America."
The CMO will take posession of the Roche site on July 1.
It will add a second US FDA compliant facility next January when it buys a facility in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada from Germany’s Bayer.
Strategic relationship
Buying the Leganés facility is about more than Famar’s North American growth ambitions.
According to Morrod the deal – which will see it supply Roche with products made at the site – has established the CMO as a strategic partner.
“It is important for Famar to have a strong relationship with Roche” he said, explaining that “previously we have not done a lot of work with Roche. Buying this facility establishes us a strategic partner.”
He also confirmed that the 249 staff Roche employs at the facility will be joining Famar.
The facility is near a plant in Alcorcon that Famar bought from French drug manufacturer Sanofi in 2011.