Success Case: Why Towa Pharmaceutical chose Barcelona for its global headquarters

Towa Pharmaceutical, Japan's leading generics manufacturer, made a pivotal decision in 2020 to set up its global headquarters in Barcelona. With over 75 years of history and a robust presence in international markets, the company saw unique advantages in Barcelona-Catalonia. Since then, Towa has used Barcelona as its operational center, overseeing its diverse business activities from Europe to North America.

“Catalonia is a pharmaceutical hub in Southern Europe, with a full ecosystem of suppliers, top talent and good infrastructures”

David Peix, CEO of Towa

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A strategic hub for innovation and growth

From its state-of-the-art facilities outside Barcelona, Towa manages a production capacity of 5.5 billion tablets, specializing in advanced pharmaceutical technology. This strategic hub serves the company’s B2B platform, licensing products to over 35 countries and supporting its affiliates in Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

Towa’s manufacturing and R&D site will soon undergo a significant upgrade, with the installation of advanced containment technology to produce oncology products. These ongoing investments demonstrate the company's commitment to innovation and expansion, with more than €40 million invested in recent years and plans for an additional €9 million for future developments.

Catalonia: A competitive advantage for the Life Sciences sector

In an exclusive interview with Catalonia Trade & Investment, David Peix, CEO of Towa, highlights several competitive advantages in Catalonia, particularly for the life sciences sector. “Catalonia is a pharmaceutical hub in Southern Europe,” with a strong ecosystem enriched by top-tier suppliers, universities producing skilled talent, and advanced infrastructure. “The Port of Barcelona is one of the Mediterranean’s leading ports for exports”, he added. Additionally, the region offers a favorable cost structure, with living expenses and salaries lower than the European average, making Barcelona a strategic choice for expanding pharmaceutical operations worldwide.

Catalonia Trade & Investment: Your Partner in Southern Europe

The support of Catalonia Trade & Investment has been instrumental in Towa’s success. With assistance in obtaining grants, navigating local regulations, and facilitating work permits, the organization has played a critical role in establishing Towa’s headquarters in Barcelona. The Tokyo office of Catalonia Trade & Investment also maintains close ties with Towa’s shareholders, providing a seamless connection for inquiries regarding local laws, tax conditions, and employment standards.

For companies aiming to expand in Southern Europe, Catalonia Trade & Investment’s team of experts is ready to help identify growth opportunities and navigate every step of the process. Contact our specialists to learn more about how Catalonia can support your global ambitions.