Merck announces €300 million investment in new life science facility in Korea
This significant investment marks the largest by Merck's Life Science business sector in the Asia-Pacific region to date and underscores the company’s dedication to expanding its presence in this rapidly growing area. Anticipated to create around 300 new jobs by 2028, this move solidifies Merck's commitment to fostering growth and innovation in the region's life sciences sector.
Matthias Heinzel, member of the executive board of Merck and CEO of life science, emphasized the strategic importance of the Asia-Pacific market.
He said: “Expanding our presence in the region will bring us even closer to our customers in this evolving and dynamic market. Our goal is to foster deep collaboration to increase the speed in bringing new therapies to patients.”
The new facility will primarily support biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies in various stages of product development, including process development, clinical research, and commercial manufacturing of biologics. Biologics, a rapidly expanding class of drugs derived from large and complex biological compounds, include products like vaccines, cell and gene therapies, and monoclonal antibodies. With the demand for biologics on the rise, Merck aims to address critical needs in the market by providing essential biotech products and services.
Covering an expansive area of 43,000 square meters, the Bioprocessing Production Center will house advanced production capacities, a distribution center, and an automated warehouse. The facility is designed to provide a range of biotech products, including dry powder cell culture media, process liquids, pre-GMP small-scale manufacturing, and sterile sampling systems.
Established in 1989, Merck Korea has been a key player in driving growth in the science and technology sectors. With more than 1,700 employees across Life Science, Healthcare, and Electronics, Merck Korea operates 13 sites dedicated to production and research and development. The new Bioprocessing Production Center in Daejeon represents a significant addition to Merck's existing infrastructure in Korea and underscores its commitment to advancing scientific innovation in the region.
This investment in South Korea is part of Merck’s broader global expansion strategy aimed at enhancing its capacity and capabilities in the life science sector. Since 2020, Merck has announced several industrial capacity expansion projects worldwide, totaling over €2 billion, with a focus on meeting the growing demand for critical drugs and contributing to public health initiatives.
With around 63,000 employees worldwide, Merck generated sales of €21 billion in 2023, serving customers in 65 countries. Founded in 1668, Merck says it remains strongly committed to scientific exploration driving technological and scientific advances.
