In this factory, Fujifilm will soon produce cell culture media: an essential raw material for bioproduction and cell and gene therapy. Cell culture media are used in the biopharmaceutical industry and serve as nourishment for cells in the production of medicines or vaccines. This biopharmaceutical market is growing rapidly. For this reason, Fujifilm is continuously expanding its activities in preventive health care and treatment.
The new Life Science Manufacturing factory is built on the site of the former photo film factory in Tilburg. Currently, the validation of installations and equipment is taking place, so the factory can open later this year. Fujifilm's cell culture media are free of animal or human ingredients and are used by Fujifilm Irvine Scientific customers for growing cells on petri dishes or in bioreactors. The new factory will soon produce, among other things, cell culture media powder blends and Water For Injection (WFI).
Erik Vaessen, Executive Director Life Sciences of Fujifilm Irvine Scientific, says that the expansion is logical for his company: “When a European producer of bioproducts or cell therapies needs products from Fujifilm Irvine Scientific, they currently receive them from our headquarters in California or our second factory in Japan. With our third production facility in Tilburg, we strengthen the supply chain and bring our products and services, including the capacity to produce liquids in large volumes, to a local level. By reducing overseas transport, we help our customers save costs and also contribute to the greening of our logistics.”