Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) recently announced the opening of the Boehringer Ingelheim Health Management Centre (HMC) to further boost its investment in China. The BI HMC is the first of its kind established by a multinational animal health company in China.

The HMC is located in Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park in Shanghai, China, with an investment of nearly 3 million euros in its first phase. Designed for world-leading veterinary reference laboratories, the center integrates animal disease and health diagnostics as well as monitoring tools to maintain and enhance animal health.

The full-service reference laboratory, with all diagnostic disciplines to provide comprehensive diagnosis for animal diseases, will employ approximately 25 staff members. The center's veterinary reference laboratory -- containing a serology lab, a molecular biology lab and a bacteriology lab -- is currently capable of detecting more than 10 animal pathogens. It comprises state-of-the-art design, functionality and safety and is eco-responsible, according to BI. Further, numerous high-tech components allow for rapid detection with maximum quality control.

The center also aims to expand the diagnostic capabilities and capacity of BI customers, functioning both as a reference laboratory and training center that will provide comprehensive training in laboratory management, quality control, diagnostic platforms and more. The HMC is accredited by the China National Accreditation Service for Conformity Assessment.

“The opening of the HMC is another milestone for Boehringer Ingelheim in China,” said Dr. Stephan Lange, BI head of animal health for China's Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan. “The HMC forms an integral part of living our ‘in China for China’ commitment. It further strengthens our ability to provide services along the full value chain for Chinese customers and highlights our commitment to continue to invest in China. We hope to best manage animal health and maximize productivity and profitability for our customers as well as contribute to the improvement of animal and human health.”

BI is the second-largest animal health business in the world, with net sales of almost 4 billion euros in 2018, a presence in more than 150 markets and 10,000 employees.