Bengaluru.
In a strategic move to fortify regional supply networks and advance domestic biotechnology production, German science and technology company Merck is investing approximately €13 million (over ₹140 crore) to expand its manufacturing facility at Jigani in Bengaluru.
The expansion introduces dedicated biological buffer manufacturing to the site’s existing chemical production infrastructure. This milestone transitions the Bengaluru operation into a comprehensive dual-platform capable of manufacturing both chemistry and biology-related materials.
Expanding Beyond Core Chemistry Capabilities
Operational since 2003, the 10-acre Jigani facility has long served as a key hub for specialty and fine chemicals, custom synthesis, and catalogue product manufacturing. The site also houses a Microbiology Application and Training Lab, a Stable Isotopes Manufacturing Plant developed alongside the Department of Atomic Energy’s Heavy Water Board, and a 7,200 m² temperature-controlled distribution center.
The newly added biological buffer and diagnostic raw material infrastructure expands the footprint by 2,900 square meters, featuring large-scale reactors, temperature-controlled processing lines, and advanced analytical testing suites.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MERCK BENGALURU JIGANI CAMPUS │
├──────────────────────────────────────┬─────────────────────────────────┤
│ EXISTING CHEMISTRY OPERATIONS │ NEW BIOLOGY CAPABILITIES │
├──────────────────────────────────────┼─────────────────────────────────┤
│ • Specialty & Fine Chemicals │ • Biological Buffer Production │
│ • Custom Synthesis & Catalogue │ • In-Vitro Diagnostic Raw │
│ • Stable Isotopes Manufacturing │ Materials │
│ • Microbiology Application Lab │ • Large-Scale Bio-Reactors │
│ • Temperature-Controlled Logistics │ • Advanced Analytical Testing │
└──────────────────────────────────────┴─────────────────────────────────┘
The biological buffers manufactured at the facility maintain precise chemical conditions in crucial biochemical processes. These materials serve applications across the entire life-sciences value chain:
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DNA Research & Sequencing
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Cell-Culture Applications
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In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD)
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Pharmaceutical R&D & Discovery
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Commercial Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing
Strengthening the Biopharma Ecosystem in India & APAC
By localized production under an “in-region, for-region” approach, Merck aims to optimize supply stability, shorten delivery cycles, and reduce reliance on overseas raw material imports for laboratories and pharmaceutical manufacturers across India and the Asia-Pacific region.
“Merck is investing about €13 million in its Jigani site to strengthen regional manufacturing and expand biology and chemistry capabilities across India and the Asia-Pacific region. This investment will reinforce our global supply chain and support the ‘Make in India’ initiative.”
— Dhananjay Singh, Managing Director, Life Science Business, Merck India
Government officials highlighted that the investment marks a strong example of Indo-German industrial alignment. Amardeep Singh Bhatia, IAS, Secretary to the Government of India (DPIIT), noted that as India and Germany mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, the expansion highlights how German technological expertise meets India’s growing manufacturing ambition under the Make in India framework.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Details |
| Total Investment | ~€13 million (more than ₹140 crore) |
| Facility Location | Jigani Industrial Area, Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| New Capability | Biological buffer & diagnostic raw material manufacturing |
| Site Footprint | 10 acres total (34% preserved as greenbelt) |
| Operational Support | R&D through scale-up and commercial production |
| Target Supply Markets | India & Asia-Pacific (APAC) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are biological buffers, and why are they important?
Biological buffers are chemical solutions used to maintain a stable pH environment during biological testing, cell culture, and biopharmaceutical manufacturing. They protect sensitive biological molecules (like proteins and DNA) from degrading during production processes.
How much is Merck investing in the Jigani facility expansion?
Merck is investing approximately €13 million, which translates to over ₹140 crore.
Has Merck announced specific employment numbers for this expansion?
Merck has not publicly disclosed a specific job creation figure. However, the site expansion will drive demand across specialized roles including process engineering, quality control, analytical testing, plant maintenance, and supply chain management.
Which industries will benefit from the local production of buffers?
Biotechnology startups, diagnostic kit manufacturers, academic research laboratories, and commercial biopharmaceutical companies across India and the Asia-Pacific region will benefit from faster access to locally produced raw materials.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Financial figures, operational capabilities, and corporate statements are based on official corporate releases and public disclosures as of September 2026.
Source & Reference Links
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