Merck KGaA, which operates its biopharmaceutical business as EMD Serono in the U.S. and Canada, is investing $70 million to expand its R&D facility in Billerica, MA. The new 145,000 sq.-ft. building will offer new lab and collaborative working space to accommodate approximately 400 new and current R&D employees focused on oncology, immuno-oncology and immunology.
 
When completed in 2021, the building will offer wet labs, office space and a cafeteria for the campus. The building will be constructed to the highest environmental and employee wellness standards by seeking LEED and WELL certifications.
 
With this latest project, Merck KGaA will have invested more than $150 million in infrastructure to advance biopharmaceutical R&D in Massachusetts, with more than 150 new jobs added in Billerica since 2011.
 
“Our talented and passionate R&D teams based in Billerica have been highly engaged in advancing a number of pipeline compounds,” said Luciano Rossetti, head of Global R&D at the Biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “We continue to strengthen our innovation footprint in both the U.S. and Darmstadt, Germany where our global R&D headquarters are located, with the goal of delivering transformational value to patients around the world.” 
 
“The continued investment of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany in Massachusetts is a testament to the state’s global leadership in life sciences,” said Travis McCready, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. “In working collaboratively with the town of Billerica, the company’s campus expansion over the past decade has not only helped attract and retain top talent in the area, but more importantly, contributed to improving the lives of people with serious medical needs.”