Merck KGaA held a groundbreaking ceremony at its Darmstadt, Germany, site that
will be an expansion/modernization to its global headquarters. According to a press release, the effort will culminate in the construction of the final Innovation Center, a new Visitor Center and an employee restaurant as well as a newly designed square extending across Frankfurter Strasse, which is to connect both parts of the site.
"This is a clear sign of our commitment to our home base, which we are modernizing to meet current and future needs in global competition. It will enable us to create attractive jobs for present and future employees," said Kai Beckmann, executive board member with responsibility for the Darmstadt site. Altogether, Merck KGaA is investing around € 25 million to build the modular Innovation Center and the parking garage. The modular Innovation Center will be completed in spring 2015, bridging the time until the final Innovation Center will be finished in 2017.
"The construction measures are part of the € 250 million investment earmarked for the Darmstadt site in 2013 and 2014. Added to this are other major projects, e.g., the recently commissioned energy station as well as a further co-generation plant currently under construction. All are crucial to maintaining our long-term competitiveness, and to securing the future of the Darmstadt site and the people who work there," said Michael Fletterich, chairman of the Merck KGaA Works Council in Darmstadt. Read the full release