The Saint-Louis Agglomeration strengthens its Life Sciences hub

A leading economic and industrial center in southern Alsace, the Saint-Louis agglomeration is renowned for its significant Life Sciences hub, which hosts numerous world-class pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Currently, efforts are underway to expand and enhance the hub’s activity and appeal.

The economic vitality of the Saint-Louis 3 Borders area in southern Alsace is well-established. Historically, this region has been a major hub for trade and industry, thanks to its close proximity to Germany and Switzerland.

The Life Sciences hub in Huningue brings together major players and emerging stars in the pharmaceutical industry and research, including Novartis, Delpharm, Elanco, Firalis, and Priothera. It integrates seamlessly into the rich trinational health ecosystem, which includes universities, laboratories, and industries in the region. The hub also benefits from its proximity to Basel-Mulhouse Airport, with its modern pharmaceutical freight services, facilitating supply and export for its companies.

Overall, the hub employs over 2,000 people and has received more than 250 million euros in public and private investments since 2020. Notably, Elanco recently invested 35 million euros in its Huningue site.

The Ecoparc 3 pays development project

In collaboration with Brownfields, a company that converts and redevelops former industrial sites into urban areas, the agglomeration is developing the EcoParc 3 Pays. This 10-hectare project aims to boost the pharmaceutical industry’s economic sector, particularly R&D, and enrich the value chain by diversifying the local offer.

The new site will feature 30,000 m² of premises, available for sale or rent to life sciences-related activities. The first building, “The Mix,” will be 6,200 m² and will include seminar rooms, service offerings, laboratories, and offices dedicated to research, innovation, and engineering. It will primarily cater to high value-added companies and support functions in the life sciences field.

The community aims to stimulate value-generating activities, create jobs, and attract talent to meet the skill needs of local growing companies. The EcoParc 3 Pays is expected to be operational by 2027, with its first building, The Mix. Four additional lots are to be marketed.

A collaborative ecosystem

Beyond physical infrastructure, pharmaceutical companies in the area can also rely on various organizations and collectives to share knowledge and best practices. For example, the professional organization of pharmaceutical companies (Leem) established its eastern France headquarters in Alsace, following requests from local companies and ADIRA.

Collaboration and communication between different entities have led to the creation of various cross-functional working groups focused on HR or quality themes, as well as regular meetings between company leaders.