Merck to invest $1billion in Singapore R&D and manufacturing
pharmafile | October 24, 2011 | News story | Manufacturing and Production, Research and Development |
Singapore has reinforced its position as a major pharmaceutical hub for the Asia-Pacific region with the news that Merck is to invest $750 million in the country.
Around $250 million of the total will go on upgrades to Merck’s existing manufacturing facilities in Tuas over the next 10 years, with another $550 million earmarked for local R&D activities. There may also be scope to build a new facility adjacent to Merck’s existing plant.
The company has also committed to “expanding its biotech operations and adding technology capability to support new product launches”, according to a press release issued by Singapore’s Economic Development Board.
Merck has been present in Singapore for 15 years, and since setting up on the island has already invested around $1.5 billion on its local facilities, infrastructure and staff. At present it employs around 1,500 people there, of whom 900 are focused on manufacturing.
The number of new jobs created as a result of the investment programme has not been disclosed, but will include skilled positions in manufacturing, R&D and marketing, according to local news reports.
Singapore’s biomedical manufacturing cluster has been expanding fast in recent years, thanks to foreign direct investment (FDI) from the likes of not only Merck but also GlaxoSmithKline, Lonza, Genentech and Pfizer.
It embarked on its Biomedical Sciences (BMS) initiative in 2000 to develop the pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical technology and healthcare sectors, as part of its move to a knowledge-based economy, and has the target if growing output to $20 billion by 2015. Last year it said there were 25 manufacturing facilities on the island, with another seven due for construction over the following three years.
Merck’s plans for Singapore are not all on the growth side, however, with a chemicals facility operated by the drugmaker on the island due to close by the end of 2012.
Phil Taylor
