2016-10-17 Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, Expands Biotech Production Capacity in Spain

• €15 million investment made over 2014-2016 in biotech facility located in Tres Cantos, Spain
• 50% increase in production capacity and 20% staff increase
• Extension of manufacturing plant will help meet worldwide demand for fertility and growth hormone disorder treatments

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, today celebrated a major expansion of its biotech plant in Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain, resulting in a 50% increase in the facility’s production capacity. Tres Cantos is the main site of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, for the production of the active substances of its fertility treatment Gonal-f® and growth hormone disorders treatment Saizen® for the whole world.

“The demand for our core portfolio of medicines keeps increasing worldwide,” said Simon Sturge, Chief Operating Officer of the biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “The expansion in Tres Cantos is part of our continuous commitment to deliver high quality medicines at the right time to our patients.”

“We are continuously investing in our manufacturing network to maintain state-of-the-art industry level and adapt its capacity to patient needs for our medicines,” added Thierry Hulot, Head of Global Manufacturing and Supply for the biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “We are very pleased to have completed the expansion of our Tres Cantos biotech manufacturing facility which plays a leading role in our manufacturing network and exemplifies our culture of safety at work, quality and service.”

The €15 million investment, which was made over the 2014-2016 period, adds 900 m2 of biotech production space and a two-floor office building, bringing the total constructed area of the Tres Cantos site to 8,000 m2. The facility complies with the highest international cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) quality standards. It also observes the highest international standards in terms environment, health and safety. It is certified by ISO 14001 environmental management and safety by OHSAS 18001. The site employs 170 highly qualified professionals.

In 2016 alone, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has invested around € 250 million in its healthcare manufacturing network all over the world.