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Actavis Factory

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Industrial site
—°10
Actavis Factory (Malta)

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The Actavis factory in the Bulebel Industrial Estate near Zejtun is a cornerstone of Malta's robust pharmaceutical sector. The plant is now part of the global Teva corporation following the acquisition of Actavis in 2016, yet it remains known under its established site name. The factory specializes in the manufacturing of high-quality generic pharmaceuticals, produced in solid dosage forms such as tablets and capsules. With state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities and stringent quality controls adhering to EU standards, the site produces medications for global export. The pharmaceutical industry in Malta benefits from specific legislation (Bolar exemption), which allows for the development of generics even before patents expire. As one of the island's major employers, Actavis attracts international talent and fosters local research in life sciences. The facility stands as a testament to Malta's shift toward a knowledge-based, high-value-added industrial economy.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Actavis Factory is a large-scale manufacturing plant for generic pharmaceuticals, producing essential medicines for global markets. As a key industrial site in Malta, it underscores the island's shift towards high-value manufacturing and exports.
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Visiting
Public access to the interior is generally not permitted due to strict hygiene and safety protocols typical of pharmaceutical facilities. The outer perimeter can be viewed from adjacent public roads, offering a glimpse of the modern industrial architecture.
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Where to view it
Optimal viewing spots include the public road running along the factory's frontage and the nearby industrial estate parking areas. From these points, one can see the loading bays, storage tanks, and the overall scale of the operation without intruding on restricted zones.
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Local products
The factory outputs a broad portfolio of generic drugs including cardiovascular treatments, antibiotics, and pain relievers. These products are widely available in Maltese pharmacies and often carry the Actavis brand or are sold under local distribution agreements.
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Active season
The factory operates around the clock with three shifts on weekdays, and reduced but regular activity on weekends. Production levels are highest during the autumn and winter months when demand for respiratory and flu medications rises, but overall output remains stable throughout the year.
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Nearby
Visitors can easily combine a trip here with attractions in the surrounding Southern Region, such as the historic town of Żurrieq and the Għar Dalam cave. The nearby coast gives the Blue Grotto and traditional fishing villages, providing a diverse day outing from industrial to natural sights.

Geography

Coordinates
35.82000, 14.51000

Facts

  • The Bulebel factory produces billions of tablets annually for the global market.
  • The site was originally founded in the 1970s under the name Pharmamed.
  • Actavis was one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies before its acquisition by Teva.
  • In Malta, the Actavis site handles both product development and mass production.
  • The facility complies with both US FDA and European EMA standards.
  • The pharmaceutical industry contributes over 5% to the Maltese GDP.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hal Far Industrial EstateHal Far Industrial Estate<1 km · SWExplore →
Malta FreeportMalta Freeport1 km · EExplore →
Għar Dalam CaveGħar Dalam Cave2 km · NEExplore →
Safi Parish ChurchSafi Parish Church3 km · NWExplore →
GħaxaqGħaxaq3 km · NExplore →
Bir Miftuħ ChapelBir Miftuħ Chapel3 km · NExplore →
Marsaxlokk PlaygroundMarsaxlokk Playground4 km · NEExplore →
St. Peter's PoolSt. Peter's Pool4 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Actavis Factory (10)

Ħal Far (Former Royal Air Force Airfield)

Former Royal Air Force airfield in Malta, now disused.

Playmobil Fun Park

Amusement park in Malta with Playmobil-themed play areas.

Wied Żnuber Dolmen

Megalithic structure in Malta, a prehistoric dolmen.

Torri tal-Bakkari / Torri tal-Baqqari

Ruins of a watchtower in Malta.

Tal-Baqqari

Archaeological site in Malta with prehistoric remains.

Babel

Monument in Malta, possibly with biblical reference.

Chapel of the Immaculate Conception

Church building in Malta dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.

Għar Ħasan

Archaeological site of a cave in Malta.

Parish Church of St Peter in Chains

Church building in Birżebbuġa, Malta, dedicated to Saint Peter in Chains.

Torri ta' Ġawhar

Ruins of a watchtower built around 269 AD against the Heruli.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is produced at the Actavis factory?
A variety of pharmaceutical medications and generic drugs are manufactured here.
Where is the factory located in Malta?
It is located in the Zejtun (Bulebel) Industrial Estate.
Is Actavis part of Teva now?
Yes, Actavis was acquired by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.
Is the factory open to the public?
No, due to strict hygiene and security regulations, public access is not permitted.
Is it a major employer?
Yes, it provides high-skilled jobs for pharmacists and chemists in Malta.
Actavis Factory: where is it located?
Actavis Factory is located in Malta.
Actavis Factory: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ħal Far (Former Royal Air Force Airfield), Playmobil Fun Park, Wied Żnuber Dolmen.
Actavis Factory: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Actavis Factory: why is it worth visiting?
The Actavis factory in the Bulebel Industrial Estate near Zejtun is a cornerstone of Malta's robust pharmaceutical sector.
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Nature

Għar Ħasan Cave — Actavis Factory (Malta)
Għar Ħasan Cave
A large sea cave on the cliffs near Birzebbuga with a legend about a Saracen pirate.
St. Peter&#39;s Pool — Actavis Factory (Malta)
St. Peter's Pool
A natural rock pool popular with cliff divers.
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole — Actavis Factory (Malta)
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole
A giant sinkhole formed by the collapse of a cave, now a wooded micro-habitat.
Blue Grotto — Actavis Factory (Malta)
Blue Grotto
A complex of seven sea caves famous for the brilliant blue water.
Għar Lapsi Cove — Actavis Factory (Malta)
Għar Lapsi Cove
A small rocky inlet popular with divers and snorkelers.

More places

City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — Actavis Factory (Malta)
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
An easy way for families to explore Malta's main attractions on an open-top bus.
Three Cities Ferry Service — Actavis Factory (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Hal Far Industrial Estate — Actavis Factory (Malta)
Hal Far Industrial Estate
Another large industrial estate located near the airport.
Malta Freeport — Actavis Factory (Malta)
Malta Freeport
One of the most important transshipment hubs in the Mediterranean.
Malta Freeport (Birzebbuga) — Actavis Factory (Malta)
Malta Freeport (Birzebbuga)
A major container transshipment port in the Mediterranean.
Playmobil Factory — Actavis Factory (Malta)
Playmobil Factory
One of the largest production facilities for Playmobil toys in the world.
Playmobil FunPark — Actavis Factory (Malta)
Playmobil FunPark
An indoor and outdoor play area with Playmobil themed worlds, located near the factory.
Pretty Bay Playground — Actavis Factory (Malta)
Pretty Bay Playground
A playground located right on the sandy beach of Birzebbuga.