Graz, Austria – NovaLabs, a rapidly growing Austrian manufacturer of dietary supplements, is reporting a doubling of revenue to €25 million, fueled by a “white label” production model that caters to major brands across Europe, and beyond. The company, founded in 2021, is investing heavily in automation and expansion, aiming to become the continent’s largest producer of nutritional supplements.
The success of NovaLabs hinges on its ability to produce a vast range of supplements – from proteins and multivitamins to magnesium, zinc, and creatine – for other companies to market under their own brands. This business model has allowed the company to scale quickly, with revenue doubling annually for the past five years, according to NovaLabs. The company has already produced around 440 million filled capsules and doses, and anticipates continued growth in the booming health and wellness market.
Founded by David Schweiger and Christian Gubik, both graduates of the Technical University of Graz, NovaLabs has quickly established itself as a key player in the supplement manufacturing landscape. The company’s founders emphasize a commitment to controlling the entire production process, “from the recipe to the raw material mix to packaging,” as stated by Schweiger, allowing them to translate ideas into market-ready products. They currently process over 2,500 different raw materials.
NovaLabs’ expansion includes a second production facility in Graz, adding 1,200 square meters to its existing 1,800 square meter operation. The company has already invested €1 million in automation, with another million planned, incorporating intelligent pick-and-place robots into its production lines. This investment reflects the increasing demand and the company’s ambition to streamline operations. The team currently comprises 76 employees and is expected to grow.
White Label Manufacturing Drives Growth
NovaLabs’ core strategy revolves around “white label” manufacturing, a process where they produce supplements that are then branded and sold by other companies. This allows brands to focus on marketing and sales without the complexities of manufacturing. Schweiger explained that their “unconventional and particularly dynamic approach” has attracted a clientele that includes “the who’s who of the Austrian and German markets,” though the specific names of these clients remain confidential. The company exports approximately half of its products, with key markets including Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, France, China, and Dubai.
Investment in Automation and Expansion
The new production facility is equipped with two semi-automatic lines featuring the aforementioned pick-and-place robots, significantly increasing production capacity. This investment demonstrates NovaLabs’ commitment to efficiency and scalability. The company’s founders have repeatedly stated their ambition to become Europe’s largest producer of dietary supplements, a goal they are actively pursuing through strategic investments and a focus on quality control. According to Crunchbase, David Schweiger is the CEO and Co-Founder of NovaLabs.
Focus on Stability and Long-Term Growth
Despite receiving acquisition offers, Schweiger and Gubik have expressed a desire to remain independent, prioritizing sustainable growth and establishing NovaLabs as a reliable employer in the Styria region of Austria. “It was our goal to found something from which People can live, which is economically successful – and not just convince investors,” Schweiger stated. They aim to build a stable, large company that provides long-term employment opportunities.
NovaLabs’ success story highlights the growing demand for dietary supplements and the potential for innovative manufacturing models within the health and wellness industry. As the company continues to invest in automation and expand its production capacity, We see well-positioned to achieve its ambitious goal of becoming the leading supplement producer in Europe. The company’s commitment to quality, efficiency, and a long-term vision suggests continued growth and a significant impact on the European supplement market.
What comes next for NovaLabs will be closely watched by industry observers. The company’s ability to navigate increasing competition and maintain its commitment to quality will be crucial to its continued success. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and insights on the future of the supplement industry in the comments below.
