LA BALME-LES-GROTTES: bioMérieux, a French diagnostics company, announced plans Friday to invest more than €250 million in a new manufacturing facility in southeastern France dedicated to producing PCR tests for the European market.
The facility, located in La Balme-les-Grottes in the Isère region, will produce syndromic PCR tests from the company’s BIOFIRE® range. These tests can identify pathogens responsible for respiratory, bloodstream, gastrointestinal and meningitis infections within 15 to 60 minutes from a single sample.
The project is expected to create about 400 jobs over time, according to the company. The site already employs nearly 600 people in research, development and manufacturing.
“Combating infectious diseases requires sustained commitment and long-term mobilization,” Alexandre Mérieux, chairman of bioMérieux, said at a foundation stone ceremony Friday. “This project represents a major investment in strengthening public health capabilities.”
The new facility will primarily serve the European market and complement existing manufacturing at the company’s site in Salt Lake City, Utah. Production is scheduled to begin in 2030.
Pierre Boulud, chief executive officer of bioMérieux, said syndromic testing represents nearly 40% of the company’s sales. “With this new manufacturing facility, we are supporting long-term growth while further strengthening the resilience of our supply chain, particularly for healthcare professionals and patients across Europe,” Boulud said.
The facility is being built on a brownfield site and will include solar panels, green roofs and rainwater harvesting. Company officials said locating production in France will avoid nearly 9,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually compared to shipping from North America.
French Minister Delegate for Industry Sébastien Martin attended the ceremony and called the investment “excellent news for our health and industrial sovereignty.”
bioMérieux, founded in 1963, reported €4.1 billion in revenue in 2025. More than 94% of its sales occur outside France. The company is listed on the Euronext Paris stock market.
