Merck

What is the focus of Merck’s activities in Switzerland?

Merck stands out as one of the most important multinational companies in the sector, with a presence in both the Swiss pharmaceutical and life sciences fields. Merck Switzerland covers the entire pharmaceutical value chain, from the supply of key components to the research, production, and distribution of medicines and therapeutic solutions.

Active in the country since 1929, the Group, with its business areas in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics, plays a prominent role and is making increasing investments to expand its presence and operations in the country. The number of locations reflects the growth and importance of our company within the Swiss pharmaceutical sector. Merck has six production and life science facilities that produce high-quality, specialized products for an international market. Merck exports to around 143 countries worldwide.

The healthcare division operates in the Canton of Vaud through its production site in Aubonne, its state-of-the-art biotech development center in Corsier-sur-Vevey, and the research and sales hub in Eysins. The life sciences division is present in Buchs (Canton of Saint Gallen), Schaffhausen, and Altdorf (Canton of Uri) with manufacturing sites. Moreover, our EPFL office is dedicated to promoting research and to improving therapy outcomes through innovative methods. Zug serves as the headquarters for the healthcare division.

How would you characterize the Greater Zurich Area as a biotech location?

The Greater Zurich Area offers attractive and stable conditions for international companies and is one of the best and most innovative locations for biotechnology in Europe. Several key factors are offering a favorable framework, making the region a top destination for biotech innovation and growth: Research and development from top universities and institutions fostering innovation and technology transfer; a highly qualified workforce providing a wide talent pool; infrastructure with leading research centers and an efficient public transportation network; a business environment with supportive regulations and a stable legal framework; numerous biotech firms and start-ups providing resources and collaboration opportunities; access to funding; the high quality of life offering high living standards and a stable, safe environment attracting top talents; as well as networking opportunities via events and conferences facilitating connections.

The unique political and commercial position of the Greater Zurich Area is advantageous for biotech companies, ensuring strong connections to global markets and fostering a robust, future-oriented biotechnology industry. Most importantly, these favorable conditions are sustainable over the long term.

What value does Merck bring to Switzerland?

Our mission is all about responsible progress and helping create, improve, and prolong life of patients. Through our presence and activities, we contribute to the sustainable growth and development of both Switzerland and the five cantons in which we are present. Merck is an increasingly relevant player for the Swiss economy, both in terms of size and in terms of its production capacities with CHF 5.8 billion, corresponding to 4.4% of the total Swiss chemical-pharmaceutical sector. Over the past 10 years, we have invested over CHF 1.1 billion in Switzerland, strongly contributing to the growth of the pharmaceutical sector.

Beyond economic value, we build cognitive capital by investing in R&D, education, innovation, and clinical trials. We also build strong social capital through the creation of quality employment and through our portfolio of medicines and therapeutic solutions that improve the quality of life for Swiss residents. Merck is employing over 2’600 employees in 2022 (+10.1% vs. 2019) making us the 4th largest company in terms of employment, contributing to 6’440 FTEs. Our considerable investments in R&D underline our passion for science and technology to find solutions to some of today’s toughest challenges and create more sustainable ways to live. Merck is also actively involved in developing educational projects such as the SPARK Program. This global skills-based volunteering initiative provides community service opportunities to its global network, with a focus on science and education.

Finally, we are deeply committed to environmental sustainability and the protection of natural resources in Switzerland. We consistently work to reduce our energy consumption and CO2 emissions, contributing to improving the country’s overall performance. We managed to reduce CO2 emissions (-2’715 tons), waste production (-1’086 tons), water (-76’517 m3) and electricity (-1’414MWh) consumption.

What sets Merck apart as an employer in Switzerland?

We recognize that our success is intrinsically tied to our employees’ health and well-being at work. Our priority is to create a work environment that champions equity and fosters inclusion and belonging. We currently employ over 2’600 colleagues from over 50 countries and have one of the most active DE&I communities in Switzerland with seven active Employee Resource Groups, representing the 2nd largest DE&I organization within the group! We are very proud to have been recognized as one of Europe’s top 100 Most Diverse Companies by the Times-Statista ranking in 2023.

We support family planning through initiatives such as the gender-neutral parental leave policy. More recently, we introduced the fertility benefit, which covers fertility treatments such as IVF and egg-freezing to help our employees realize their dream of becoming parents.

It is my privilege to lead and work with fantastic and talented teams to pioneer impactful, inclusive, and sustainable solutions in healthcare that improve people’s lives for the better.