Per second, more than 30 immunological tests manufactured by Roche Diagnostics are carried out in hospitals and laboratories. A piece of Bavaria is in each of these test kits: at least one components of each of the currently 96 different Elecsys immuno diagnostics is manufactured in Penzberg. With fantastic growth in the double-digit range for more than 15 years, immunochemistry is a worthwhile area for Roche - which fits perfectly into the corporate strategy of "personalized medicine".
Yesterday, the ground-breaking ceremony for the "Diagnostics Operations Complex II" took place in presence of Bavarian Prime Minister Horst Seehofer, as well as other political celebrities. The investment of EUR 200 million will expand the production capacity of the location Penzberg. The new building should be opened in 2014 and offer space for 120 emploées, including 50 new positions. The press conference highlighted particularly the qualifications of the personnel as an important location factor. Roland Diggelmann, Chief Operating Officer of the Diagnostics Division, said: "Today, anybody is able to produce antibodies. Our special competence lies in the purification, quality assurance and the modification of antibodies."
Roche continually expands the Penzberg site. After the acquisition of Boehringer Mannheim in 1998, a total of EUR 2 billion was invested and the workforce has been doubled to about 5000. The latest large investment was taken in operation in June 2011: the 158 million project "TP Expand", which strengthened the research and development capacities for therapeutic proteins.