Merck expands biotech production capacity in Spain

Merck KgaA has completed a a major expansion at its biotech plant in Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain, resulting in a 50% increase in the facility’s production capacity. Tres Cantos is Merck’s main site for the production of the active substances of its fertility treatment Gonal-f and growth hormone disorders treatment Saizen.

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

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

In 2016 alone, Merck has invested around €250m in its global healthcare manufacturing network.