Roche breaks ground on new production facility for synthetic molecules

• Roche is investing around CHF 790 million in new infrastructure for the production of synthetic molecules at its Basel site
• The new Synthetic Molecules Facility (SMF) combines innovative production technologies with digital solutions, setting new standards in the manufacture of synthetic active ingredients
• Roche is continuing its long-term commitment to Switzerland as a business location, with around CHF 41 billion having been invested in research, development and infrastructure since 2016

Basel, 21 September 2026 – Today, Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) 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.

Facts about Building 51, Synthetic Molecules Facility

• Overall height: 40 m; floors above ground: 7
• Number of workplaces for the production of synthetic molecules: approx. 200
• Construction period: Q3 2024 – Q4 2030
• Total investment (construction of Building 51 and modernisation of Building 50): approx. CHF 790 million
• Architects: Luca Selva AG Architects ETH BSA SIA

Please see this information brochure for more details.
Image material for editorial use is available here.

Persons on the picture with a shovel: Jörg Duschmalé, André Hoffmann, Luca Selva, Severin Schwan, Tarkan Dogru, Jan Leibundgut, Ta-Young Song, Alessia Carlaccini, Lukas Engelberger, Steffen Ulrich, Kaspar Sutter, Thomas Schinecker, Jürg Erismann

About Roche
Roche (SIX: RO, ROP; OTCQX: RHHBY) is a healthcare company uniquely placed to prevent, stop and cure diseases by uniting leading science and technology across diagnostics, medicines and digital solutions.

Roche was founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1896 and today is a leading provider of transformative medicines and diagnostics for millions of people in over 150 countries around the world. It is dedicated to tackling healthcare challenges that place the greatest strain on patients, families, communities and healthcare systems. Across its Diagnostics and Pharmaceutical divisions, Roche focuses on areas including oncology, neurology, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, ophthalmology, infectious diseases and immunology with the aim of providing real and positive change for patients, the people they love and the professionals who care for them.

Genentech in the United States is a fully owned subsidiary in the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, a major innovator in the Japanese therapeutic antibody market.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com.

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Roche Group Media Relations
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• Media Release Grundsteinlegung Bau 51 English