Orion ensures a steady supply of medicines by manufacturing them in its own facilities, while its subsidiary Fermion produces the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for these medicines. This integrated production in Finland strengthens the availability of essential medicines not only for Finland but for all of Europe. During crises, having medicines produced locally ensures that patients can access critical treatments quickly.
Orion operates six manufacturing plants in Finland, employing over 1,400 professionals in its supply and procurement chain. These facilities work tirelessly to ensure a consistent supply of both medicines and their active ingredients.
A Diverse Range of Medicines from Finland
Orion’s largest pharmaceutical plants are in Espoo and Turku, where a wide variety of products are made, including tablets, asthma inhalers, injections, hormonal gels, creams, and cancer treatments. The company also manufactures liquid medicines domestically.
While Orion’s Finnish plants primarily produce medicines for human use, the company also operates facilities in Belgium and France, focusing on veterinary medicines.
A Legacy of Versatility
Orion, founded in 1917—the same year Finland gained independence—has been a cornerstone of Finnish pharmaceutical production. Its legacy is reflected in its broad and versatile product portfolio.
“In Europe, Orion is unique in maintaining such a diverse range of medicines,” says Iikka Keskinen, Orion’s Director of Pharmaceutical Production.
The Northernmost API Production
Fermion, a wholly owned subsidiary of Orion, plays a key role in producing APIs, with about two-thirds of its output supporting Orion’s medicines and the remainder supplied to pharmaceutical companies worldwide. Fermion operates two specialized plants in Finland:
- The Hanko plant focuses on high-volume APIs.
- The Oulu plant, the northernmost pharmaceutical ingredient plant globally, produces smaller-volume APIs.
Notable products include darolutamide, the API for Orion’s prostate cancer drug, manufactured in Hanko alongside the final medicine. Additionally, all of Orion’s veterinary sedatives are produced in Oulu.
With around 30 APIs in its portfolio, Fermion is a leading API manufacturer in the Nordic region. “For certain products, we are among the largest global producers,” says Arto Toivonen, Fermion’s Managing Director.
The Importance of Local Production
Local pharmaceutical production is critical for ensuring the availability of medicines, whether for routine use or life-saving treatments. Orion’s role as a Nordic manufacturer is pivotal in securing Europe’s medicine supply, particularly as much of the pharmaceutical production for generics has shifted to Asia.
“Relying on long supply chains comes with risks. Local production allows us to respond faster to market needs,” says Keskinen.
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored this importance, as Orion scaled up production to meet the surging demand for critical medicines across Europe.
Flexibility Ensures Security
During crises, the value of domestic manufacturing capabilities becomes clear. Orion’s ability to adapt quickly to new demands has proven essential.
“For instance, during the pandemic, we swiftly began producing a much-needed API and pharmaceutical product to address urgent needs. Having the facilities and expertise ready is crucial in exceptional circumstances,” says Toivonen.
By prioritizing local production and maintaining flexibility, Orion continues to strengthen Europe’s pharmaceutical security and ensure medicines are readily available when needed.
