IPCA Labs to Launch Maharashtra's First Fully Green Pharma Plant in Wardha
New Delhi: IPCA Laboratories, a prominent pharmaceutical company, is set to inaugurate its first manufacturing unit in Vidarbha, Maharashtra, this summer. The 700-acre facility, located in Hingni, Wardha district, will be entirely powered by green energy, featuring a 15 MW solar plant and a pellet-based boiler system that eliminates coal usage.
Originally a struggling unit, IPCA Laboratories was taken over in 1975 by Amitabh Bachchan, who held a 50% stake, and two others with 25% each. Under the leadership of co-founder Premchand Godha, the company has grown into an Rs 8,000 crore turnover enterprise. The Bachchan family exited the company in 1998, and since then, IPCA has expanded to 30 manufacturing units across India.
According to a recent media report in The Times of India, the Wardha plant represents IPCA's commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices. The boiler unit will run on agricultural waste-based pellets, making it the region's first fully green pharma plant. The solar plant is expected to become operational next year. IPCA has already tested solar power and pellet-based fuel systems at its Ratlam facility, but the Wardha plant marks its first major green investment in Vidarbha.
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The new unit will manufacture chloroquine tablets, injections, and syrups, reinforcing India's growing dominance in bulk drug production. With China scaling down its pharmaceutical production, India is set to play a key role in the global supply chain.
Reflecting on his journey, Godha recalled his deep connection with Nagpur since 1979. Despite not having a formal pharma background, he built a business empire, starting with a CA partnership in 1973. Today, IPCA is the world's leading manufacturer of arthritis pain medication, with flagship brands like Zerodol (arthritis pain relief) and Lariago (anti-malaria drug).
With the Wardha plant, IPCA is set to drive sustainable growth in India's bulk drug sector, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and setting a benchmark for eco-friendly manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry, reports TOI.
