MilliporeSigma invests over €300m in new South Korean bioprocessing center
MilliporeSigma, the Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, in the United States and Canada, has earmarked an investment exceeding €300 million for the establishment of a new Bioprocessing Production Center in Daejeon, South Korea. This significant investment underscores the company’s dedication to enhancing its capabilities within the rapidly evolving Asia-Pacific region, marking its largest investment in the area to date. By the conclusion of 2028, the initiative is expected to generate around 300 new job opportunities, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Matthias Heinzel, a member of the Executive Board and CEO Life Science at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, emphasized the strategic importance of expanding the company’s footprint in the Asia-Pacific region. He noted, “The Asia-Pacific region is home to a large number of institutions that conduct leading-edge and innovative research, manufacturing, and services in areas such as biotechnology, mRNA, and gene therapy.” Heinzel’s remarks reflect a strategic vision aimed at fostering closer ties with regional customers and leveraging collaborative efforts to accelerate the delivery of new therapies to patients globally.
The upcoming Bioprocessing Production Center in South Korea is poised to support biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies across various stages of drug development, from process development and clinical research to commercial manufacturing. Specializing in biologics, including vaccines, cell and gene therapies, and protein-based therapies like monoclonal antibodies, the facility will offer critical biotech products such as dry powder cell culture media, process liquids, pre-GMP small-scale manufacturing, and sterile sampling systems. Spanning an impressive 43,000 square meters, the site will feature advanced production capacities, a distribution center, and an automated warehouse, setting a new standard in bioprocessing excellence.
With over 1,700 employees and encompassing 13 sites dedicated to production and R&D, including the M Lab™ Collaboration Center in Songdo, Incheon, MilliporeSigma’s establishment in Korea is a clear indicator of its long-term commitment to advancing science and technology industries in the region. The new Bioprocessing Production Center is part of a broader multi-year investment program designed to address the growing global demand for critical drugs and contribute significantly to public health.
This investment aligns with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany’s strategic vision to strengthen its Life Science business sector’s capacity and capabilities, further cementing its role as a global leader in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.