Merck KGaA plans to invest EUR 35 million ($41 million) in a new production line for aseptic filling under isolators at its manufacturing site in Bari, Italy.

The new production line, which will have a capacity of 14 million units per year, is expected to be fully operational in 2022. It will be equipped with an isolator designed with a high level of automation. The new production line is intended to be used for the aseptic filling of the biologic-based medicines of Merck KGaA in the areas of multiple sclerosis, fertility, and endocrinology.

In 2014, Merck KGaA invested EUR 50 million ($58 million) at the Bari manufacturing site for a fully automated production line under isolators and an automated warehouse. Established in 1992, the manufacturing site in Bari has grown over time and currently employs 225 people. It specializes in the fill/finish activities of Merck KGaA’s commercial products and is also involved in the manufacturing of some of the products under development of Merck KGaA.

The Bari site is part of a network of 15 manufacturing sites dedicated to the production of the biotech and pharmaceutical medicines of Merck KGaA.

Source: Merck & Co.