AsianScientist (Nov. 16, 2016) – On November 4, 2016, science and technology company Merck inaugurated its €170 million Nantong pharmaceutical plant, its largest plant outside of Europe. The first drugs from the plant, which is dedicated to producing high-quality pharmaceuticals on China’s Essential Drug List, are expected to be delivered to patients in the second half of 2017.
At the inauguration ceremony, Merck also announced a further investment of around €80 million in a Life Science Center near the Nantong pharmaceutical plant to manufacture high-purity inorganic salts, cell culture media products as well as ready-to-use media. This brings the company’s total of investment in the production value chain in China to €250 million.
These strategic investments further support Merck’s expansion in China, which is expected to become the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market by 2018, and enables the company to support the goals of China’s 13th Five Year Plan by investing in technology and developing local talent.
“China is of strategic importance to Merck as a key driver of our sustainable growth. In line with our long-term commitment to China, Merck has always been dedicated to localizing global expertise to make a meaningful difference to our patients and life science customers,” said Mr. Stefan Oschmann, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck.
“Combining the strengths of our two business sectors Healthcare and Life Science, the Nantong site is a pioneering initiative to foster a comprehensive value chain that will create better access to health, enabling Merck to support China’s evolving developmental and healthcare priorities.”
The Nantong site is designed to comply with the highest international standards in terms of quality, environment, health and safety. The site has invested in standard-setting wastewater treatment and disposal aimed at minimizing the environmental footprint of its operation to the local communities.
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Source: Merck.
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