bioMérieux Invests Over 250 Million Euros in Isère to Produce BIOFIRE PCR Tests
The in vitro diagnostics group announces the creation of a new production unit in Isère for its Biofire PCR tests, with approximately 400 direct jobs expected and a planned operational start in 2030. This project aims to meet the growing diagnostic needs for infectious diseases in the European market.
A PCR Test Factory to Secure European Supply
bioMérieux is establishing a production unit at La Balme-les-Grottes (Isère) dedicated to manufacturing syndromic PCR tests from its Biofire range. These tests can identify the main causes of respiratory, blood, gastrointestinal, or meningeal infections within 15 to 60 minutes from a single sample.
The production will primarily target the European market and will complement the capabilities of the Salt Lake City site in the United States. According to Pierre Boulud, CEO of bioMérieux, syndromic tests account for nearly 40% of the group's revenue. This new unit aims to 'support long-term growth and strengthen the resilience of supply chains'.
Strengthening the Isère Site and Creating Jobs
The La Balme-les-Grottes site, an industrial pillar of bioMérieux for over 40 years, currently employs about 600 collaborators. The new project is expected to generate around 400 direct jobs in the long term. Over the past few years, it has benefited from several strategic investments, including a microbiology research and development building and an internal production unit inaugurated in 2023 and 2024.
The project is part of a strategy of vertical integration for the group and consolidation of its industrial presence in France, particularly in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region where bioMérieux has its historical roots.
A Project Designed According to Rigorous Environmental Standards
The new building will be located on an existing industrial brownfield site to limit soil sealing. Its design incorporates energy efficiency solutions with operations relying on 'almost entirely decarbonized' energy. Optimizing logistic flows to European customers is expected to prevent the emission of nearly 9,000 tons of CO2 per year compared to equivalent production overseas.
The project also includes solar panels, green roofs, permeable parking lots, sustainable management of outdoor spaces, rainwater recovery, and biodiversity preservation measures. The factory is scheduled to start operations in 2030.
