Sanofi-Aventis, the major French drug manufacturer, on Wednesday announced that it would be investing funds worth 150 Million Euros ($201.4 Million) over the coming four years in order to build up its biotechnology manufacturing facilities across France.

The multi-million Dollar project aims at revamping of all chemical facilities in order to prepare them for the fall in production in the face of many looming patent expirations, as has been revealed by Philippe Luscan, Head of Sanofi's Industrial Affairs.

The project will be inclusive of a 90 Million Euro investment for the creation of a new biosynthetic process in the plants of Saint-Aubin-Les-Elbeuf, located in northwestern France, and Vertolaye, which is in central France.

The main aim of the whole project is to help Sanofi improve upon its "global competitiveness on corticosteroid output", shared Mr. Luscan.

The project will also result in creation of many local jobs.

Sanofi also revealed that it is currently looking at ceasing operations at its Romainville plant, which is located in northwestern France, by the end of 2013.