Wacker Chemie has opened a new Biotechnology Center at its Munich research site, marking a significant expansion of the German chemical company's biopharmaceutical research capabilities. The facility, which can accommodate around 90 employees, represents a strategic investment in biotechnology during economically challenging times.
"The Wacker Biotech Center will allow us to concentrate and intensify our biotech research activities. We see tremendous growth potential in this area, which is why we have decided to go ahead and invest in this sector – even in economically challenging times," explained Wacker CEO Christian Hartel at the opening ceremony.
Strategic Focus on Speed and Commercialization
The new center addresses a critical market reality where speed to market has become increasingly important. "It is no longer enough to simply have the best solution. It's becoming increasingly important that we reach the customer with this solution first. Speed is taking on an ever greater role in making us stand out," Hartel noted.
The facility is designed not just for research but to facilitate faster commercialization by enabling closer collaboration with customers, business partners, biosolutions, and other business units. This integrated approach aims to streamline the path from laboratory to broad application.
Advanced Research Capabilities
The Biotechnology Center comprises approximately 1,500 square meters of laboratory and pilot plant space and around 700 square meters of office space, distributed across four floors. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to support advanced bioprocessing research.
Research activities focus on developing processes for producing biopharmaceuticals, with particular emphasis on bioprocesses for manufacturing proteins and nucleic acids. These components are essential for developing novel therapies, including those based on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology.
Expanding Beyond Pharmaceuticals
Beyond biopharmaceuticals, the center also contributes to sustainable nutrition by developing novel ingredients for food and food supplements. This diversification reflects Wacker's broader commitment to addressing current and future generational needs through biotechnology innovation.
Building on Established Expertise
The new facility is integrated into Wacker's research site in Munich-Sendling, where the company has conducted basic research for over 100 years, including biotechnology research since the 1980s. The expansion became necessary as Wacker's research capacities reached their limits due to the growth of the biotechnology business.
Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger emphasized the regional significance of the investment: "With the new Biotechnology Center, Wacker is not only securing high-quality jobs, but also strengthening Bavaria's expertise in biotechnology. This demonstrates a strong commitment to Bavaria as a business location, and is exactly the kind of project we need to ensure our competitiveness and bring innovations from Bavaria to the world."
