Takeda present in Wallonia for more than 50 years
In 2023, the Takeda Group announced a €300 million investment in its Lessines site.
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For more than 50 years, Takeda Belgium’s core activities have focused on developing plasma-derived therapies for patients suffering from rare diseases and complex chronic conditions. Employing more than 1,200 people from 23 different nationalities, the Walloon subsidiary is now Takeda’s third-largest production site worldwide, after Japan and the United States. In 2023, Takeda invested €300 million in a new production line and a carbon-neutral warehouse.
Patients at the heart of the company’s priorities
More specifically, the new production unit is an immunoglobulin purification line derived from human plasma, used to treat rare diseases such as primary or acquired immunodeficiency, a condition that is particularly difficult to diagnose. The Lessines site specializes in the purification and filling of plasma-derived therapies and is equipped with packaging capabilities for several plasma-based treatments. Thanks to this ultra-modern line, Takeda Lessines has increased its production capacity to supply treatments to more than 300,000 immunocompromised patients, improving and extending their life expectancy.
There is very strong cooperation with the various levels of government in Belgium, whether federal, regional or local. In addition, our biotech ecosystem, which is truly unique in the world, makes our country highly attractive for investment. We are particularly proud and pleased to have been able, with the support of governments and public institutions such as Wallonia Export and Investment Agency, to announce the largest investment Takeda has ever made in our Lessines site.
Key reasons behind Takeda’s choice of Wallonia
Through its 2023 investment, Takeda is reaffirming the importance of Belgium as a strategic long-term production hub for the global manufacturing and distribution of plasma-derived therapies, thereby securing the sustainability of its operations. Belgium, indeed, offers strong advantages for such investments. It is an open economy, where one third of private-sector jobs are linked to foreign trade. It is also a symbol of the country’s excellence in the fast-growing biopharmaceutical sector, which employs 40,000 highly skilled workers directly and indirectly.
Wallonia was chosen by Takeda thanks to a highly comprehensive ecosystem (research, healthcare, hospitals, federations) and a long history of collaboration with the group.
The company has benefited from strong political support and close proximity to decision-makers, facilitating its development.
Sustainability and the circular economy have been decisive, with a zero-carbon objective and investments in wind, solar and geothermal energy.
Advanced waste and wastewater management systems are implemented on the site.
Takeda focuses on employee engagement and retention, with high-quality jobs and an emphasis on workplace well-being (rest areas, vegetable garden).
The Lessines site is embracing digitalisation and automation, becoming a “factory of the future”.
Role of the Wallonia Export and Investment Agency
Wallonia Export and Investment Agency and Takeda share a long-standing partnership. Wallonia Export and Investment Agency’s business support, notably through its Regional Centre in Mons, has accompanied the group throughout its development on multiple fronts. The Agency assisted in preparing the case presented by the group to its Board of Directors to secure continued investment in the Lessines site, notably by confirming political support and facilitating procedures at various levels. Wallonia Export and Investment Agency set up a dedicated task force around the Takeda project to provide targeted and multidisciplinary support for the various files submitted to administrations in connection with the company’s expansion. This tailored, ongoing support has not been a one-off but has been maintained on a regular basis. The project was managed through team-based governance, both in Wallonia (for operational aspects) and in Japan (for more strategic matters).
A Walloon success story of which we are justifiably proud.