“Factory of the Future” Elsdorf Center Enables Early Installation of GEA Freeze‑Dryers

Covering an area of more than 40,000 square meters, the new competence and production center will primarily be used for the construction of freeze-drying systems. (Photo: GEA)

(IN BRIEF) GEA has broken ground on an €80 million freeze‑drying system production center in Elsdorf, Germany, following partial approval in July 2025. Covering 40,000 m², the “Factory of the Future” allows early‑stage assembly of critical product chambers and freeze‑dryers while construction continues. Designed for injectable‑drug and vaccine manufacturing, the facility incorporates solar power, waste‑heat recycling, green roofs, and intelligent digital operations. Full relocation from Hürth—including manufacturing, storage, laboratories, and offices—is planned for the fourth quarter of 2025.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 24-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Responding to a rising global need for advanced lyophilization equipment, GEA is channeling €80 million into a cutting‑edge pharmaceutical technology hub in Elsdorf, North Rhine‑Westphalia. After securing partial planning consent in July 2025, the 40,000 m² campus—dubbed GEA’s second “Factory of the Future”—is already welcoming its first core components. Product chambers, the vessels where vacuum freeze‑drying occurs, have arrived, and the initial freeze‑dryers are now being set up, even as construction progresses elsewhere.

Construction of GEA’s new pharmaceutical technology center in Elsdorf (North Rhine-Westphalia) is on schedule. The relocation of the previous operations in Hürth to Elsdorf has now begun. (Photo: GEA)

This purpose‑built center specializes in manufacturing systems essential for producing injectable medications, including vaccines. By relocating its Hürth operations to Elsdorf in phases, GEA avoids later logistical bottlenecks: “early access” approval allows assembly teams to begin work immediately in completed zones. The comprehensive transfer of production lines, warehousing, laboratories, and administrative offices is slated for Q4 2025.

Sustainability and digital innovation lie at the heart of the Elsdorf site. A rooftop photovoltaic installation will generate green electricity on‑site, recycled waste heat will feed back into the process, and green roof zones will foster biodiversity and a healthier workplace. Integrated warehouse‑management software and end‑to‑end digital workflows promise leaner, more transparent production cycles.

Media Contact:

Dr. Michael Golek
Phone: +49 211 9136 1505
pr@gea.com

About GEA

GEA is one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and components to the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

The international technology group, founded in 1881, focuses on machinery and plants, as well as advanced process technology, components and comprehensive services. For instance, every second pharma separator for essential healthcare products such as vaccines or novel biopharmaceuticals is produced by GEA. In food, every fourth package of pasta or every third chicken nugget are processed with GEA technology. With more than 18,000 employees, the Group generated revenues of about EUR 5.4 billion in more than 150 countries in the 2024 fiscal year. GEA plants, processes, components and services enhance the efficiency and sustainability of customers’ production. They contribute significantly to the reduction of CO2 emissions, plastic usage and food waste. In doing so, GEA makes a key contribution toward a sustainable future, in line with the company’s purpose: ”Engineering for a better world.”

GEA is listed on the German MDAX, the European STOXX® Europe 600 Index and is also a constituent of the leading sustainability indices DAX 50 ESG, MSCI Global Sustainability and Dow Jones Best-in-Class World.

SOURCE: GEA Group