A new hub brings together research, innovation and the world of work
MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme has opened its new Swiss headquarters in Lucerne. The pharmaceutical company has invested 60 million Swiss francs in the site, which will employ 750 people. Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and Cantonal Councillor Reto Wyss attended the opening ceremony.
According to a press release dated 22 May, MSD Merck Sharp & Dohme has opened its new Swiss headquarters, One Roof, in the Rösslimatt district of Lucerne. The biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Rahway, New Jersey, is consolidating operations here that were previously spread across three sites in Lucerne and Kriens (LU). A total of around 750 employees are expected to work here.
The new site is intended to promote cross-functional collaboration and the development of innovative solutions for patients. Flexible working arrangements will be supported. MSD also aims to strengthen its role as an employer and as a key player in research and innovation.
In her address, Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider highlighted the importance of the new headquarters for Switzerland as a business location. “Switzerland is one of the world’s most innovative locations, not least thanks to its strong pharmaceutical industry. Conversely, the industry also benefits from the advantages our country offers. Excellence, reliability and determination: these are Swiss values, and they are values that also characterise MSD.”
Lucerne Cantonal Councillor Reto Wyss takes a similar view. “MSD creates high-quality jobs, brings international networking to our region and makes a significant contribution to the economic strength of our canton.”
According to Marc Gailhardou, the new site also strengthens its strategic role “as a key hub within our international MSD network”, as the President of MSD’s Intercontinental Region is quoted as saying. “Bringing our activities together under one roof enables us to drive innovation, collaboration and efficiency forward even more effectively on a global scale and to bring scientific advances to patients more quickly.”
For Franz Escherich, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the MSD Group in Switzerland, One Roof is “an expression of our long-term commitment to Switzerland”. In addition to the investments in Lucerne over the past year and a half, MSD has invested a further 20 million Swiss francs in its production facility in Schachen (LU) and its site at The Circle at Zurich Airport.