Saturday, 15 March 2025
Roche is making a major investment in its Life Science Competence Center in Penzberg, Upper Bavaria, with the construction of a state-of-the-art diagnostics production centre. Spanning 23,500 square meters, the new facility will enhance global diagnostic test production and strengthen Roche’s position as a leader in the healthcare sector. The €600 million investment will ensure that growing demand for diagnostic solutions is met across Germany and Europe.
The foundation stone for the new diagnostics manufacturing centre was laid at the end of last year, marking a significant milestone for Roche’s expansion. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder, Penzberg Mayor Stefan Korpan, Roche CEO Thomas Schinecker, and Roche Germany management. Also present were construction project manager Paul Wiggermann, Roche construction project manager Ludger Dierkes, and Drees & Sommer project manager Stefan Schweitzer.
Roche currently produces 80% of all diagnostic substances used worldwide at its Penzberg campus, supplying 1,900 different elements essential for medical testing. In 2023 alone, 29 billion diagnostic tests using Roche’s analytical systems were delivered to customers globally. The new facility will increase production capacity for 450 different diagnostic substances, supporting faster and more reliable testing in infectious diseases, neurology, cardiology, oncology, and diabetes.
“Penzberg is a key location for the global healthcare industry and a hub of innovation for diagnostics and pharmaceuticals,” said Paul Wiggermann, Roche’s Head of Construction. “With over 50 years of expertise in chemistry and biotechnology, this campus has become one of Europe’s largest biotechnology centres. The fact that 80% of Roche’s diagnostic substances come from Penzberg underscores its significance as a global centre of excellence.”
The construction of this complex facility is being overseen by Drees & Sommer SE, a leading consulting firm in real estate, infrastructure, and industry. Stefan Schweitzer, Associate Partner at Drees & Sommer, is heading the project, ensuring cost, schedule, and quality control, as well as risk and change management.
“For a highly complex construction project like this, precise cost management and financial oversight are crucial,” Schweitzer explained. “We continuously monitor and adjust the budget to mitigate potential risks while maintaining close collaboration with all project participants. Additionally, the facility is being built with flexibility in mind, allowing for future modifications or expansions without disrupting operations.”
The new centre is expected to be operational by 2028, bringing 200 Roche employees under one roof. These employees, currently spread across various buildings within the Penzberg campus, will benefit from enhanced collaboration and streamlined workflows, further improving efficiency in diagnostic production.
With this investment, Roche continues to expand its capabilities in diagnostics and life sciences, reinforcing Germany’s role as a leader in medical innovation.
