MSD invests USD 220 million in Krems

© MSD

MSD Animal Health, the animal health division of the American pharmaceutical group Merck, is expanding its production in Austria and taking over the former Baxter site in Krems, Lower Austria.

MSD intends to invest about USD 220 million over the next four to five years in the expansion of the existing Baxter facility, and will create approx. 400 new jobs.

The new production plant will primarily manufacture vaccines. “On the basis of this acquisition, we are positioning ourselves for strong, long-term growth”, states Joseph Morrissey, Vice President of MSD Animal Health. After completing adaptations to the site, the company plans to commence vaccine production in two years. MSD already operates a manufacturing facility in Vienna for veterinary pharmaceuticals via its subsidiary Intervet. It mainly produces hormones, tick protection and control products, cardiovascular medicines and antibiotics. The animal medicines are exported for the most part, especially to the USA. Merck’s animal health division is represented in 50 countries, and its products are available in 150 markets worldwide.