JGL, the largest pharmaceutical company in domestic ownership, concluded the three-year investment project INTEGRA valued at 53 million euros. With the construction of two high-tech facilities in Svilno and Kukuljanovo and the acquisition of valuable equipment, the capacities and technological capabilities of research and development, the production of sterile sprays, drops and aerosols, and logistics and distribution have been significantly increased.
Today, at the JGL Pharma Valley complex in Svilno, a celebration marked the completion of the investment in the INTEGRA project, which featured the unveiling of new laboratories for research, development and quality control, a pilot plant and a sterile production line for drops and sprays set to increase production capacity by up to 60 per cent. The occasion was attended by a host of distinguished guests from the world of business and politics. JGL’s new robotic logistics and distribution centre with 17,500 pallet spaces in Rijeka’s Kukuljanovo business zone was also presented. Also part of the INTEGRA project was the construction of additional facilities to improve the working conditions of employees and guests in the Pharma Valley complex, such as a restaurant, new offices, a lecture hall, a multi-purpose meeting room and a new JGL Pharmacy Museum exhibit.
With INTEGRA, we are significantly increasing our technological resources and capacities and creating preconditions for the further advancement of our key brands in the global health market, Ivo Usmiani, President of the JGL Board of Directors, pointed out at the opening and added: “In the life of every company, certain pivotal decisions become imprinted, ushering in an entirely new dimension for both the present and the future. At JGL, we have always believed in our capacity for growth, dreaming of transforming from a small local laboratory and becoming an international pharmaceutical company that operates far beyond the borders of our country. Quietly, with unwavering determination and a wealth of passion and energy, we built this house of ours, alongside its international position. Today, with our 150 brands, 300 products and 650 variations, we are present in 60 markets across the globe. Exports make up 86 per cent of our business income.”
The increase in research and development capacities and their integration with production and quality in one location will strengthen JGL’s position in the development and production of advanced, innovative products within three strategic therapeutic areas – flu and cold, ophthalmology and dermatology, explained JGL’s Chief Executive Officer, Mislav Vučić. He added that the key to success is first and foremost – employees. “I want to thank the hardworking and knowledgeable team that spearheaded this project, but also the entire JGL, Adrialab and Pablo collective, comprising 1,241 motivated individuals who successfully achieve our objectives, aware that competing with global multinational companies requires excellence in everything we do,” said Vučić.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković congratulated on INTEGRA project and pointed out that he is proud to be able to show respect for more than thirty years of effort, work and investment of JGL.
"The Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development is a tool of the Government and its primary purpose is to encourage projects like this one. This is an investment in high technologies, knowledge, production and digitization, which achieves global competitiveness. JGL makes the contribution to Croatia we are striving for", stated the Prime Minister and added: "In JGL, I feel togetherness and cohesion - and that is the most important thing for teamwork, belief in what is being done, loyalty, engagement, partnership, cooperation and ultimately for success. We are proud of you and the state is here so that projects like INTEGRA would make Croatia better."
Following the formal part of the programme which featured performances by Tina Vukov, Matija Dedić, Universe Dance Crew, Ana Kabalin and Neno Belan, the guests had the opportunity to tour the new complex and witness firsthand the importance, quality and scale of this investment, which contributes to raising not only Croatian, but also European pharmaceutical standards.
INTEGRA in numbers
- Investment value: 53 million euros
- Project duration: 3 years
- Growth of sterile production capacity by 60 per cent (40 million units)
- Total surface area of new pharmaceutical production: 3,250 m2
- New pilot plant: 750 m2
- New laboratories and offices for research and development and quality control: 2,450 m2
- New Kukuljanovo logistics and distribution centre: 20,000 m2
- Capacity of Kukuljanovo logistics and distribution centre: 17,500 pallets