Urgo Invests in Dijon, Strengthening Regional Presence and Innovation
Dijon, France – Pharmaceutical company Urgo has officially inaugurated its new headquarters in Dijon, France, marking a significant investment in the region and a renewed commitment to its historical roots. The €23 million project, unveiled on February 19th, underscores the company’s growth and its dedication to the local economy, providing a modern workspace for approximately one-third of its 1,200 Dijon-based employees. This move isn’t merely a change of address, according to Urgo President Briac Le Lous; it represents a return to the company’s origins, recalling when Urgo’s predecessors first manufactured products in Dijon on Rue Petitot over a century ago.
The new 4,383 square meter facility is designed to foster collaboration and innovation, offering a bright and functional environment for Urgo’s healthcare division. Beyond the new headquarters, Urgo has invested a total of €46 million in the Dijon area in recent years, demonstrating a long-term strategy for growth and technological advancement. These investments include a new datacenter to bolster digital sovereignty, enhanced logistical capabilities, and modernized industrial sites, all aimed at delivering premium customer service and meeting the evolving needs of patients. The company’s 2025 revenue is projected to reach €930 million, reflecting its continued expansion and market position.
A Catalyst for Dijon’s Urban Renewal
The choice of the Centre Dauphine location is deliberate, symbolizing the ongoing transformation of Dijon’s city center. “Urgo is developing in Dijon as Dijon is developing, and Dijon is developing because Urgo is established here,” Le Lous stated, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the company and the city. He also expressed gratitude for the support of Dijon’s municipal services in navigating the logistical and infrastructural challenges associated with the project, including the provision of bicycle parking and streamlined access for suppliers.
Dijon Mayor Nathalie Koenders emphasized the positive impact of Urgo’s presence on the city’s vitality. “This place of life, encounters, and sharing, open to the city and adapted to the needs of the present,” she said, reflects a growing attractiveness and dynamism in Dijon’s urban core. Koenders pointed to the city’s low commercial vacancy rate of 5.7%, a significant decrease in recent years and considerably lower than the national average, as evidence of this positive trend. Statista reports the national average commercial vacancy rate in France as of Q3 2023 was approximately 8.3%.
Urgo: A Key Economic Driver for the Region
The economic benefits of Urgo’s investment extend beyond the immediate construction project. François Rebsamen, President of Dijon Métropole, highlighted the company’s role in driving down unemployment in the region. “It is thanks to the vitality and commitment of companies like Urgo that Dijon Métropole displays an unemployment rate of around 6.3%, significantly below the national average which hovers around 8%,” he noted. The French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE) provides detailed unemployment statistics for France.
Urgo is not only a creator of jobs and wealth but also a significant contributor to innovation in the healthcare sector. The company’s “Genesis” project, a research initiative focused on advancements in skin grafting and burn treatment, promises to deliver major breakthroughs in patient care. This commitment to research and development underscores Urgo’s long-term vision and its dedication to improving healthcare outcomes.
A History of Innovation and Family Leadership
The roots of Urgo stretch back to 1880 with the founding of Laboratoires Fournier in Dijon by Eugène Fournier and Pierre Bon. Urgo Group’s official history details the company’s evolution from a small laboratory to a leading pharmaceutical firm. In 1958, Jean Le Lous, then head of Laboratoires Fournier, created the URGO brand, initially focused on bandages, born from his experience witnessing bandage shortages during wartime. The iconic slogan “Il y a de l’Urgo dans l’air, il y a de l’air dans Urgo” (“There’s Urgo in the air, there’s air in Urgo”) was launched in 1979, becoming a recognizable catchphrase for the brand.
The company remained within the Le Lous family, with Jean Le Lous’s son, Hervé Le Lous, taking the helm after his father’s death in 2002. Hervé Le Lous expanded the group through strategic acquisitions, including Laboratoires Juva Santé. In 2019, Briac Le Lous, Hervé’s son, was appointed President of Urgo for a three-year term, continuing the family’s legacy of leadership and innovation. According to Wikipedia, Briac Le Lous continues to lead the company as of February 2026.
Urgo’s growth has also been marked by strategic expansion through subsidiaries such as Vitafarma (established in 2008) and LM Pharma (Brazil, 2011). The company operates through several sister companies, including Laboratoires Juva Santé, Urgo HealthCare, and Urgo research innovation and development, demonstrating a diversified approach to healthcare solutions.
Looking Ahead
The inauguration of the new Dijon headquarters represents a pivotal moment for Urgo, solidifying its commitment to the region and positioning it for continued growth and innovation. The company’s focus on digital sovereignty, logistical efficiency, and modernized industrial sites underscores its dedication to delivering high-quality products and services to patients. Urgo’s ongoing investment in research and development, particularly through the Genesis project, promises to bring significant advancements to the field of wound care and burn treatment.
The next key milestone for Urgo will be the continued development and rollout of the Genesis project, with initial results expected to be published in late 2026. The company also plans to further expand its international presence, building on its existing network of subsidiaries and partnerships.
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