Novo Nordisk has announced the investment of more than EUR 2.1 billion euros starting in 20231 to expand the existing production site in Chartres, France, for the current and future product portfolio within serious chronic diseases.

The investment will significantly increase the capacity of the manufacturing site, adding aseptic production and finished production processes and an extension of the current Quality Control Laboratory. The investment, which includes capacity for GLP-1 products, will increase Novo Nordisk’s ability to meet future demands for innovative medicines.

“This significant investment announced today confirms the importance of our French manufacturing site, one of our strategic production sites, as a cornerstone of the growth we are experiencing as a company. By maximizing the skills and infrastructure we already have on the site, we are expanding our capacity in an efficient way,” says Lone Charlotte Larsen, corporate vice president of Novo Nordisk Production Chartres.

More than double the footprint

The new facilities will more than double the footprint of the site. The facility will be designed as a multi-product facility to accommodate current and future processes and displaying state-of-the-art technology and working environment, describes Novo Nordisk.

“Our continued investments in our manufacturing sites across the globe demonstrate the belief we have in our current and future product portfolio and its relevance for people living with serious chronic diseases,” says Henrik Wulff, executive vice president, Product Supply, Quality & IT, Novo Nordisk.

Gradually finalized from 2026 to 2028

The construction projects have now been initiated and will gradually be finalized from 2026 to 2028. The investment is expected to create more than 500 new jobs to run production activities 24/7 when the construction is completed, and the facilities are finalised. During the construction phase, up to 2,000 external employees will be employed.

The investment is expected to create more than 500 new jobs to run production activities 24/7 when the construction is completed, and the facilities are finalized.”

Novo Nordisk’s production facility in Chartres was established in 1961, and today the site employs around 1,600 people. The production facility manufactures treatments to 10 million people with diabetes all over the world.

Photo of Henrik Wulff: Novo Nordisk