The French government recently announced its support for seven new industrial projects aimed at strengthening the production of strategic medicinal products in France. Among these projects is the Zach System site, located near Angers (Pays de la Loire region), which will benefit from the largest public investment of €7.3 million.
The Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 highlighted the difficulties in supplying medicinal products in France, largely due to the relocation of active ingredient manufacturing factories to China and India. To remedy this situation, the “France 2030” plan was launched, with the aim of relocating and strengthening the production of essential medicines. After an initial relocation phase in June 2023, the “France 2030” plan now supports 14 projects, accounting for nearly €50 million in public funding and generating around €300 million in industrial investments. These efforts aim to strengthen the production of 42 essential medicinal products on French soil.
Zach System: A major investment for the fine chemicals industry
In Avrillé, just north of Angers in the Pays de la Loire region, the Zach System factory, which has been in operation since 1975, is one of the latest seven projects to be supported. Specializing in fine chemicals and classified as an upper-tier Seveso site, this subsidiary of the Italian pharmaceutical group Zambon manufactures active ingredients for the global pharmaceutical industry, with around twenty lines in its portfolio. “Several hundred tonnes of active ingredients leave the Avrillé site every year,” said Nicolas Girard, Sales Director at Zach System.
State aid amounting to €7.3 million is part of a total investment of €48.7 million eligible under the “France 2030” plan. This funding aims to support a strategic plan worth €86 million over the next five years, with the aim of modernizing and increasing the production capacities of active ingredients. “Public funding is granted in return for commitments from manufacturers to secure supplies to the French market,” said the Ministry for the Economy.
The Zach System project includes the construction of new buildings, including a quality control laboratory and an additional production workshop, as well as the expansion of existing activities (R&D, manufacturing, etc.). Initial work will begin this year, for a scheduled completion in early 2026. At the same time, an agreement is in progress to develop three new active ingredients intended to be used in the composition of essential medicines, thereby guaranteeing the supply chain in the event of health crises.
Over the next five years, the Avrillé site plans to gradually increase its workforce to reach 330 employees, up from 250 currently and 180 five years ago. In 2024, Zach System saw revenues of €70 million, an increase of 16.6% on the previous year. According to Nicolas Girard, the outlook for 2025 remains positive.
Other projects supported by the “France 2030” plan
Ipsophène (Toulouse, Occitanie region): This startup plans to construct a new paracetamol factory, with an eligible investment of €14 million as part of the “France 2030” plan. This project aims to strengthen the production of this essential medicine in France.
Delpharm (Tours, Centre-Val de Loire): Specializing in the manufacturing and packaging of drinkable and injectable liquid forms, Delpharm benefits from €6.2 million in aid to increase its production capacities and secure supplies to the French market.
Sanofi (Ambarès-et-Lagrave, Nouvelle Aquitaine): Sanofi is investing in the modernization of its manufacturing site for active pharmaceutical ingredients, with several million euros of support to strengthen France’s healthcare sovereignty.
Seqens (Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur): This project aims to increase output of active pharmaceutical ingredients at the Roussillon site, with significant financial support to modernize the facilities and increase production capacity.
Fareva (Val-de-Reuil, Normandie): Fareva is receiving support to develop its manufacturing capacities for injectable medicines, which are essential for the French healthcare system, with a significant investment to modernize its facilities.
Pierre Fabre (Castres, Occitanie): Pierre Fabrehttps://www.pierre-fabre.com/en-us is investing in the expansion of its production capacities for essential medicines, with financial support to strengthen France’s healthcare and industrial sovereignty.
These projects are part of the government’s strategy to strengthen the production of essential medicines on French soil and reduce dependence on extra-European imports. By supporting businesses like Zach System, Ipsophène, Delpharm, Sanofi, Seqens, Fareva and Pierre Fabre, the “France 2030” plan aims to guarantee France’s healthcare sovereignty.