Today, we proudly inaugurated Pavilion 3 at Krka, a new facility housing additional microbiological laboratories, the Center for Professional Informatics, educational spaces, and offices for the Supply Chain department. This €20 million investment, covering 9,600 m², marks another important phase in the company’s development. The new facility enables better conditions for ensuring the microbiological quality of pharmaceutical products, faster access to information that supports researchers in developing innovative pharmaceutical forms, and enhanced learning opportunities in computing, digitalization, and information systems. Pavilion 3, a result of the expertise and teamwork of Krka specialists, reinforces our commitment to quality, allowing us to continuously deliver innovative, safe, and effective products to more than 70 global markets.
Grand Opening of the New Facility
The new building was officially opened by Krka’s President and CEO, Jože Colarič, along with Microbiology Laboratory colleagues Jure Murn and Alenka Kotnik.
At Krka, we recognize that rapid scientific and technological advancements, coupled with increasingly stringent market requirements, necessitate continuous investment in equipment and knowledge. This is the only way to maintain the highest quality of our products and ensure timely market entry. In May 2022, we began constructing Pavilion 3 at our central complex in Ločna, Novo Mesto. In addition to the new microbiological laboratories and the Center for Professional Informatics, the building also includes business spaces for planning and coordinating Krka’s supply chain activities and preparing packaging documentation. Together, these units form another functional whole.
State-of-the-Art Microbiological Laboratories
Microbiological laboratories occupy the largest portion—40%—of the 9,600 m² facility. This expansion is crucial as it allows for an increased number of microbiological analyses, which are essential due to the growing production volume and stricter Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements concerning product quality, environmental standards, equipment, personnel, and media. We conduct various tests based on our developed and validated analytical methods, including:
- Microbiological quality testing of raw materials, finished products, and contact packaging
- Sterility testing
- Microbiological content analysis of antibiotics
- Environmental, equipment, and personnel microbiological control
- Bacterial endotoxin testing
The first microbiological laboratory, which combined quality control and research, was established in 1959 at the pharmacy of Krka’s founder, Boris Andrijanič. A decade later, it was relocated to Krka’s main site in Ločna, where today’s modern facilities provide excellent working conditions and compliance with all industry standards. Through ongoing microbiological quality assessments in the production environment and rigorous testing of raw materials and finished products, we continue to ensure high-quality, safe, and effective medicines.
A Modern Center for Professional Informatics and Functional Knowledge Transfer Spaces
The site of the new building was previously home to Krka’s early development operations and, since 1962, Krka’s library. Today, its function has evolved into the Center for Professional Informatics, which supplies the entire company with crucial scientific and professional information.
With the relocation to these new facilities, researchers and other Krka employees involved in development and research will receive even more effective access to up-to-date content necessary for their work.
One floor of the building is dedicated to education and team collaboration, already hosting training in computing, digitalization, and information systems. The space includes lecture halls and two computer classrooms.
These modern facilities contribute to higher work quality while fostering a pleasant working environment and a creative educational atmosphere.
