Founded in 1957, “Laboratorio Santa Elena” was a family business based on the commitment of its employees. It had a strong presence in the Uruguayan market and was known in particular for the production and marketing of vaccines for farm animals. Sharing the same values and passion for animal health, Virbac acquired 33% of Santa Elena in 2010, then the remainder of the capital in 2013.

A subsidiary focused on innovation

Definitively renamed Virbac Uruguay in 2015, the subsidiary now has two production sites. The first, in Millan, manufactures the viral and bacteriological antigens used in our vaccines: it's the only production site for farm animal vaccines in Latin America! The second, in Montevideo, is responsible for the pharmaceutical formulation and packaging of vaccines and pharmaceutical products, mainly for farm animals. Our Uruguayan subsidiary also has one of Virbac's six R&D centers worldwide and is pursuing its development by initiating new projects.

A new plant for its 10th anniversary

On October 17, the foundation stone was laid in Montevideo for a new plant dedicated to the manufacture of viral antigens. 250 people including national authorities, employees, customers and suppliers were present to mark the event. The President of the Republic of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou, honored us with his presence, accompanied by the Minister of Industry, the Minister of Labor and the French Ambassador to Uruguay. 

"Uruguay is an ideal springboard for the whole of Latin America: this new plant demonstrates Virbac's interest in and confidence in Uruguay," said Sébastien Huron, Chief Executive Officer of the Virbac Group, who was on hand for the ceremony.

As Regional Director Andrés Engelbreit explains, "this 3-year project is very strategic for Virbac, as it will enable us to increase our presence in the various Latin American markets, incorporating the highest technologies available in this type of industry and generating more jobs in Uruguay".

The aim of this new production site is to promote access to health solutions for all those who care for animals in Latin America. 

Following the ceremony, a lunch was organized with the participation of the subsidiary's employees and members of the Latam Committee to honor Eduardo Ottonelli, who has headed Santa Elena and Virbac Uruguay until September 30, 2023, and to celebrate the inauguration of Pablo Macchi as the subsidiary's new General Manager.