Roche is investing CHF 790 million in a new production facility for synthetic active ingredients
The ‘Synthetic Molecules Facility’ in Basel combines AI-supported infrastructure with state-of-the-art production technologies
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Roche is breaking ground on Building 51, a new production facility for synthetic molecules. This marks another milestone in the strategic development of Roche’s Basel headquarters. Around CHF 790 million is being invested in the new Synthetic Molecules Facility (SMF), comprising the construction of Building 51 and the modernisation of Building 50. The SMF will bring together state-of-the-art production technologies, digitally connected infrastructure and artificial intelligence. Synthetic molecules already account for approximately half of Roche’s pharma portfolio. The new facilities are expected to be completed by 2030 and will employ around 200 highly skilled employees.
Thomas Schinecker, CEO of the Roche Group, emphasises: “Synthetic molecules are a key part of our portfolio and will continue to grow in importance. With the new facility, we are creating the right environment to produce increasingly complex molecules using state-of-the-art technologies and digital solutions. Our goal is to bring new medicines from development into production and ultimately to patients even faster.”
Jürg Erismann, Site Head of Roche Basel/Kaiseraugst, emphasises the new building’s importance for site development in Basel: “The construction of our Synthetic Molecules Facility is a key milestone for our site, and will enable us to bring research, development and production even closer together, make our work faster and more flexible. At the same time, Buildings 50 and 51 will further strengthen Basel’s role as a key, high-performing site within our global production network.”
Among other benefits, the properties of synthetic molecules can enable oral administration. As these molecules become increasingly complex, production processes must evolve accordingly. Advanced facilities such as the Synthetic Molecules Facility are essential to manage this complexity and enable efficient scaling.
Roche has invested around CHF 41 billion in Switzerland since 2016. More than CHF 7 billion of this amount has been used to expand and modernise Swiss sites, and over CHF 33 billion has gone into research and development. Roche is currently spending around CHF 1.4 billion on ongoing construction projects at the Basel/Kaiseraugst site. These investments underscore Roche’s long-term commitment to Switzerland as a business and research location.
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