Denmark’s Novonesis to invest Rs 6,600 cr in Maharashtra for enzyme plant expansion
Danish biosolutions producer Novonesis on Wednesday, Septemeber 2, announced an investment of Rs 6,600 crore over the next four years to expand its enzyme manufacturing facility at Patalganga in Maharashtra.
The expanded facility is expected to become fully operational by 2030 and will manufacture enzymes for a wide range of industries, including biofuels, household care, and food and beverages, according to an official statement.
The expansion will help Novonesis cater to rising demand from emerging markets, including the Middle East, Africa, India and South Asia, the company's president and chief executive Ester Baiget said.
"These markets represent an important and growing part of the company's business and are expected to grow faster than developed markets in the coming years," Baiget said.
Novonesis Chief Operating Officer Anders Lund said the Patalganga facility would bring the company closer to its customers while strengthening its scale, operational resilience, efficiency and supply flexibility.
The company has previously invested in plant expansions in Thailand, the US and Brazil as part of its capital expenditure plans.
Krishna Mohan Puvvada, regional president for the Middle East, India and Africa at Novonesis, said the Indian government's BioE3 policy had been a transformational step towards unlocking the economic, social and environmental potential of biosolutions.
The company said the expanded facility would be designed to consume less water and energy. Freshwater recycling will reduce the amount of water drawn by the site, while integrated heat pumps will lower the energy required for operations.
The Patalganga plant was originally commissioned by Novozymes in 2019. Novozymes later merged with Chr. Hansen in 2024 to form Novonesis.
Patalganga, located on the outskirts of Mumbai, is home to several chemical and petrochemical facilities, including Reliance Industries' first plant. Other companies with facilities in the area include Hindustan Organic Chemicals, Cipla and Asian Paints, among others.
