Merck has announced a comprehensive agreement with the Joint Works Council to secure the future viability of the company's headquarters in Darmstadt, Germany. The company wants to transform its HQ into a central science and technology hub and further expand it.
“We believe in the tremendous potential of the Darmstadt site. There is no other Merck facility in the world that has so much expertise combined at one location," said Kai Beckmann, CEO Performance Materials and Merck executive board member."
Back in 2015, Merck had stated that it would invest a total of €1bn at its global headquarters in the following five-year period.
"With our investment commitment, we are enabling additional growth and creating employment perspectives for tomorrow and beyond,” he added.
“Our aim is to do the right things today to ensure that we remain successful as a company tomorrow. Together with the employee representatives, we want to support the changes in our three business sectors here at the Darmstadt site in the best possible way,” Beckmann said.
The company management and employee representatives have likewise agreed to extend the employment guarantee until the end of 2025.
“We conducted intensive negotiations and, in some cases, had strong debates. Ultimately, we've achieved an outcome that benefits employees and sustainably strengthens the future viability of the site,” said Michael Fletterich, Chair of the Works Council of Merck KGaA.
Merck is currently holding talks about the possible construction of a new membrane plant in Darmstadt. Membranes are used, among other things, in various types of filters in biopharmaceutical production.
Moreover, the company plans to construct a new vocational and advanced training centre at the site. Merck currently has more than 500 apprentices in 22 vocational training occupations.
