Merck Announces Investment in India with New Life Science Manufacturing & Distribution Centre

• Investment near Mumbai to enhance the company’s manufacturing and distribution in the country
• Supports growing demand for biopharmaceutical research and manufacturing in India

Mumbai, India, February 22, 2018 — Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced that it will invest €16.6 million in its new manufacturing and distribution centre for the Life Science business. The new centre, located in the Patalganga industrial area, near Mumbai, is expected to be completed in 2019. Occupying 10 acres, the site spans more than 12,000 square meters with added gross domestic product storage capacity to meet future growth, further improving inventory availability and reducing lead times.

“In biopharmaceutical research, time is of essence,” said Udit Batra, Member of the Merck Executive Board and CEO, Life Science. “Our multiple investments in important Asian markets, including this most recent investment in India, will ensure that our customers have ready access to the products needed to develop new therapies and biosimilars, accelerating access to health.”

Merck’s new facility will house a Solids Down-filling operation, giving the Life Science business a competitive advantage through improved fill rates and increased capacity. Addition of this facility to the existing Merck facility in Jigani, Bengaluru will significantly strengthen Life Science's overall manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure in the country, allowing for faster and more reliable delivery service. Merck research capabilities in India were enhanced in [year], with the opening of the M Lab Collaboration Center in Bangalore.

The Mumbai project announced today is part of Merck’s overall €40 million investment in building a robust manufacturing and distribution platform in Asia over the next two years.

About Merck

Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. More than 52,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2016, Merck generated sales of €15 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the “Merck” name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.