Theodorikakos visits the production facilities of pharmaceutical firm ELPEN

Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos on Tuesday visited the three production facilities of the Greek pharmaceutical company ELPEN in Pikermi, as well as a new flagship biomedical technology research and innovation centre, the Athens LifeTech Park, in Spata.

These have been classified as a strategic investment, supported by the Ministry of Development with 14 million euros in subsidies and tax incentives, creating 1,600 new quality jobs.

Theodorikakos toured the facilities and was briefed on the progress of ELPEN’s extensive investment programme, which includes the upgrade of the Pikermi plant, the construction of a new production unit in Keratea, the operation of Athens LifeTech Park in Spata, and the establishment of an oncology drug production unit in Tripoli in cooperation with WinMedica.

In his statement, Theodorikakos, said that "Our vision, plan, and strategy for a new production model for the Greek economy is showcased in the clearest and strongest way through the strategic investment being carried out by the Greek pharmaceutical company ELPEN. This is a sector that in recent years has been at the forefront of Greek industry. We support research, innovation, productivity, extroversion, and the creation of thousands of new jobs. Through this investment, 1,600 new high-quality jobs are being created, offering young scientists the opportunity to start their careers under very satisfactory conditions in terms of both income and quality of life. We continue our cooperation so that Greek taxpayers’ money is put to good use."

On his part, co-CEO of ELPEN Theodoros Tryfon, said: "We were very pleased to welcome Development Minister Takis Theodorikakos, to our facilities. We had a detailed discussion about the country’s new production model and how there must be a strategy that directs resources to companies that produce, export, innovate, and contribute with new, well-paid jobs. A tour was conducted of our three production units in Pikermi, where we employ 600 workers, as well as of the large new Innovation and Biomedical Technology Park in Spata. We are now beginning to plan for the next five years, in cooperation with the state, on how public resources will be directed to areas that generate high domestic added value for the economy and society."