Merck Serono expands manufacturing capacity in Darmstadt

Merck Serono, the biopharma arm of German pharma company Merck KGaA (MRK: DE), is to expand its R&D facility in Darmstadt, Germany.

It is investing 65 million euros ($73 million) in a new laboratory that will cover more than 16,000 square meters and accommodate around 200 current employees of the company. A cornerstone-laying ceremony took place in Darmstadt today. The new building will bring together discovery technology departments such as molecular pharmacology, medicinal chemistry and biophysics.

Kai Beckmann, a member of the executive board and responsible for site operations, said: “When complete in 2017, we will offer our employees in research an open and modern environment that fosters collaboration and innovation across disciplines. With this building, we are sending out another signal that the Darmstadt site will continue to serve as a core R&D Hub for Merck. In addition, the new laboratory building is an important element in the expansion of our global headquarters.”