Roche Invests in Biotechnology Production: E 420 Million for Production in Penzberg

摘要

Last year in Penzberg (Germany), in the presence of high ranking company representatives and prominent political figures, the corner stone was laid for the new Biologics IV facility that will cost E 290 million to build. Here the monoclonal antibody Trastuzumab for the treatment of breast cancer will be manufactured. One hundred fifty new jobs will be generated through this investment. On the same day, the Biologics III facility, which was built for E 130 million, was put into operation. Erythropoetin (Epo), a hormone for the treatment of anemia will be produced in this plant. The high tech plant creates an additional 50 new positions. Through these capital expenditures, the importance of Roche Penzberg as one of the largest biotechnology locations in Europe is not only consolidated, but, above all, is an answer to the rapidly growing demand for innovative biopharmaceuticals. The decision for Penzberg is also certainly a clear sign of confidence in the high qualifications and biotech know-how of the staff at the location. The Roche Group presently has 13 biopharmaceuticals on the market and has at its disposal the best biotechnology pipeline of the sector. It a ttains more than 50percent of its sales with the five strongest biopharmaceuticals. For this reason, the Roche Group is the second largest biotechnology company in the world. The Roche facility in Penzberg is one of the pioneers in the branch. With 3,900 highly qualified employees and premises that encompass 352,000 m~(2), it is one of the largest European biotechnology centers and the greatest economic factor in the region. In connection with the corner stone ceremony, GIT spoke with Dr. Jurgen Schwiezer, President of the Executive Board of Roche Diagnostics GmbH of Roche Diagnostics GmbH, on the background and importance of this investment for the location as well as for the development and application of novel biopharmaceuticals. Dr. Margareta Dellert-Ritter posed the questions.