Wacker Opens Biotechnology Center in Munich

WACKER has officially opened its new Biotechnology Center in Munich, marking a significant step in the company’s commitment to advancing biotech innovation. At the opening ceremony, CEO Christian Hartel emphasized that the new center will enable WACKER to consolidate and strengthen its biotech research activities. Despite economic challenges, the company is continuing to invest in this field, driven by its strong growth potential. Hartel highlighted the growing importance of speed in delivering solutions to customers, stating that having the best solution is no longer enough—being first to market is becoming crucial.

Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger praised the project, noting that the new center not only creates high-quality jobs but also reinforces Bavaria’s expertise in biotechnology. He called it a clear signal of WACKER’s long-term commitment to the region and a valuable contribution to maintaining the state’s global competitiveness and innovation leadership.

The center is integrated into WACKER’s long-established R&D site in Munich-Sendling, where the company has conducted fundamental research for over a century and started biotech work in the 1980s. With the rapid growth of its biotech business, existing facilities had reached their limits. The new center, with around 90 employees and state-of-the-art equipment, opens up fresh opportunities for future development.

Spanning four floors, the building offers about 1,500 square meters of lab and pilot-scale facilities, along with 700 square meters of office space. Research focuses on developing production processes for biologics such as proteins and nucleic acids, supporting the creation of innovative therapies like mRNA-based treatments. The center also works on new ingredients for food and dietary supplements, contributing to sustainable and healthy nutrition for current and future generations.

Beyond research, the center is designed to foster closer collaboration with customers, partners, and internal business units, helping to accelerate commercialization. It represents not just a research hub, but a strategic step forward in WACKER’s biotech journey.