Photo: Illustrative image of life science manufacturing. Merck logo: Merck KGaA.
German science and technology company Merck KGaA is investing about €13 million in its manufacturing site at Jigani, near Bengaluru, to expand production of materials used in life science research, diagnostics and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
The expansion will add biological buffer manufacturing to the site’s existing chemistry operations. The facility will produce buffers and other raw materials used in DNA research, cell culture, diagnostics and drug manufacturing for customers in India and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
“India is emerging as an increasingly important hub for life science innovation and manufacturing,” said Dhananjay Singh, Managing Director of Merck’s Life Science business in India. According to the reports, Singh said the investment would expand the company’s biology and chemistry capabilities and strengthen its regional supply chain.
Expanding local production
Merck said local production under temperature-controlled conditions should help improve the reliability of supply and reduce dependence on imports. The materials are intended for customers working across research, diagnostics, biotechnology and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
The Jigani site has operated since 2003. It already houses specialty and fine chemicals manufacturing, a microbiology application and training lab, and a stable isotopes plant established in collaboration with India’s Heavy Water Board. It also has a temperature-controlled distribution centre.
India–Germany cooperation in advanced manufacturing
Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary of India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, described Merck’s Bengaluru hub as an example of what Indian manufacturing capacity and German enterprise can achieve together. He said the site would make advanced materials for pharmaceutical research and semiconductor manufacturing.
Alexandre Callegaro, Minister Counsellor and Head of Economic and Global Affairs at the German Embassy in New Delhi, said that the expansion would support pharmaceutical research and advanced manufacturing in India. He placed it within broader India–Germany cooperation in high-technology sectors.
The investment builds on Merck’s two-decade manufacturing presence at Jigani, adding a new category of locally produced inputs for India’s growing life science industry.
