Merck Boosts Presence in Mexico with €20 Million Investment

Merck will invest €20 million (US$22.25 million) to expand a production plant in Naucalpan, State of Mexico. Alfredo del Mazo, State of Mexico’s Governor, acknowledged that Merck's investments in the state had a positive impact on the economic growth of the region.

"The expansion of Merck in the State of Mexico is a testament to the commitment and goodwill of both parties towards building a stronger Mexico," says Cristian Von Schulz-Hausmann, Managing Director, Mexico Merck Group.

The expansion of the plant represents an opportunity to reaffirm the bonds between the State of Mexico and Merck, which are working towards many common goals, according to Orlando Aguirre, Government Sales Director, Mexico Merck Group. The investment will also enable Merck to cater to the rising demand for pharmaceutical products in the region. The move is expected to create numerous job opportunities for local residents and promote the economic development of the surrounding community, reports CANIFARMA. 

"The Mexican pharmaceutical industry is a driving force for economic growth, an example of innovation with social commitment and one of the greatest supports for families," adds del Mazo. 

Mexico's pharmaceutical industry holds a dominant position in Latin America. By exporting to Central and South America, the sector has enjoyed notable growth. Local demand for pharmaceutical products is met to a great extent by companies established in the country, which account for approximately 92% of the market share. Imported products are typically limited to highly specialized medicines that are only manufactured in select locations across the world, explains Rafael Gual, Director General, CANIFARMA, to MBN. Local production could also improve through the development of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) locally, says Patrick Devlyn, President of the Health Commission, CCE.

Merck’s history in Mexico dates back 92 years. It now has pharmaceuticals, life sciences and electronics divisions in the country. The pharmaceutical division is the largest one and has a reputation for producing medicines across different therapeutic areas, including specialized fields such as oncology, fertility treatments, assisted neurology, immunology and growth hormone treatments. In addition, the division also manufactures products to address prevalent morbidities in Mexico, such as diabetes, hypertension, thyroid gland problems, obesity, antibiotics and cardiology.

“We will continue betting on innovation and technology to strengthen accessibility and meet demand, while continuing to innovate in the fields that Merck is well-known for,” Von Schulz-Hausmann tells MBN.