Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has unveiled its plans to invest DKK8.5bn ($1.2bn) to build an entirely new production facility in Odense, Denmark.

The new site will feature an advanced finished production facility and warehouse covering more than 40,000m2 of area.

Novo plans to design the new facility to be modular and flexible, to accommodate multiple product types within rare diseases, such as haemophilia, currently and in future.  

The company has already started construction work on the new facility, which is scheduled to be completed in 2027.

The investment is expected to create up to 1,000 external employees during construction, and 400 permanent jobs upon completion of the facility.

Novo Nordisk product supply, quality and IT executive vice president Henrik Wulff said: “The facility will utilise advanced technology and innovative equipment to ensure the highest quality to patients and meet the growing global demand for our life-changing medicines.

“We are proud to build on our heritage in Denmark and look forward to embarking on this journey in Odense, a well-connected city with a dynamic community and talented workforce.”

Novo Nordisk said the new facility will support its commitment to environmental protection in the area, with more than 4,000 new trees will be planted at the site.

Buildings will feature solar panels installed to enhance on-site electricity generation.

Also, Novo will use the excess soil, wooden materials, and other sustainable resources will be reused to create lakes, forests, and community spaces open to the public.

Earlier this year, Novo Nordisk Pharmatech announced a DKK1.5bn ($221m) investment for building a new manufacturing facility at Ådalen 16 in the Town of Køge, Denmark.

Covering around 8,000m² of area, the new factory is expected to contain production and storage facilities, an office, and a laboratory on the site.

The new Køge facility is expected to begin production in 2027, creating around 50 new jobs.