Bimeda – Irish roots, global reach, Chinese innovation

As looking to the ever-strengthening diplomatic and commercial ties between Ireland and China, it would be remiss not to highlight the success of Irish-founded veterinary pharmaceutical company, Bimeda. Over the past decade, Bimeda has developed a strong commercial, innovation and regulatory presence in China, which has recently been complemented by the opening of an over-25-million-euro ($27.16 million) state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hebei province. But who is Bimeda and how did a family-owned organisation from Ireland establish itself as an important player in the Chinese veterinary pharmaceutical industry?

About Bimeda

Founded in Ireland in 1960, Bimeda has grown to become a global player in the animal health market and today boasts a product range that can be found in over 80 countries worldwide, 10 manufacturing facilities across seven countries, and eight R&D laboratories. Through organic growth and acquisitions, over the course of six decades, Bimeda has cemented its role as a global leader in animal health.

Bimeda in China

Bimeda first entered the Chinese market in 2011 via a joint venture partnership with Rainbow Laboratories Ltd, establishing a raw material testing and innovation centre in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province.

Bimeda quickly realised the potential for its veterinary products within the Chinese market and began laying the groundwork for rapid expansion. With the growing meat and dairy consumption, increasing companion animal ownership, and a desire for high quality veterinary products, China has become an ideal market for Bimeda to enter.

The company has established a dedicated head office in Beijing along with an in-house regulatory team. The China Commercial team now has over 10 staff with a commercial sales office in Shanghai, along with a regional head office in Hong Kong. Bimeda China sells quality pharmaceuticals from our European and North American manufacturing sites along with a range of locally manufactured products exclusively for the Chinese market.

Bimeda's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Shijiazhuang, Hebei, is designed and built to the China Human Drug GMP standard and is the first sterile injectable facility in the province to receive this approval.

Bimeda commences manufacturing in China

In November 2023, Bimeda marked the official opening of their state-of-the-art sterile injectable manufacturing facility in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province.

The over-25-million-euro facility was built to the China Human Drug GMP standard and is the first sterile injectable facility in the province to receive this approval.

An initial team of over 100 people are employed at the plant, which currently manufactures sterile injections and parasite-control products, ranging from 10ml to 500ml vial sizes.

Following on from successful GMP audits by relevant authorities, the facility is approved to supply products to China, Africa, Australia and New Zealand, with further regulatory approvals for additional markets in progress.

The opening ceremony was attended by Ireland's Ambassador to China, Dr. Ann Derwin, representatives of local Chinese government and Bimeda's senior leadership team.

Ireland's Ambassador to China, Dr. Ann Derwin, receives a tour of the new Bimeda manufacturing facility in Hebei province, China.

Ambassador Derwin complemented Bimeda, noting "Foreign direct investment between Ireland and China assists both countries. This facility once again demonstrates the willingness of Irish companies to invest in China. Through positive experiences gained here, I am certain that Bimeda can lead the way for similar investment from other Irish companies in the future. I consider them excellent ambassadors for Ireland and the agri-tech sector here in China."

Bimeda Far East Asia General Manager, Daniel Tierney, added, "having a direct manufacturing presence will serve as a catalyst for further growth in China. Despite the pandemic-related disruption to the region over the last three years, we see very positive signs of recovery within China and keen demand from customers".

Ambassador Dr. Ann Derwin speaks at the event

A growing product portfolio

Bimeda China currently offers a broad range of veterinary pharmaceuticals for companion animals and livestock, with many new registrations in progress. Throughout 2024, Bimeda will be introducing an additional suite of exciting new products, in line with growing demand from customers in China.

Contract manufacture

While Bimeda's new manufacturing facility will primarily be utilised for the manufacture of Bimeda's own range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, the company does offer contract manufacturing for selected partners. Bimeda China General Manager Eris Wang, commented, "since opening our new facility, we have seen strong demand for contract manufacturing from partners who prize our uncompromising approach to quality. We have already commenced manufacture for selected partners and are open to discussions with other parties."

Local partners and relationships

Reflecting on Bimeda's success in China to date, Daniel Tierney added, "we are fortunate to have developed excellent relationships in China with local partners, such as Rainbow Laboratories, as well as our local vendors and government officials. We have huge respect and gratitude for the support we have received in establishing our organisation in China and we look forward to further developing these collaborative relationships. While our manufacturing facility currently employs a team of over 100 people across functions such as quality, logistics and production, we know that in the coming years our potential for further growth in China is significant. I would like to thank our partners, suppliers, officials, and employees who have supported us on our journey so far."

For more information on Bimeda's presence in China, visit the website: www.bimeda.cn/en