Tokyo (SCCIJ) – Roche is investing around CHF 790 million in a new production facility for synthetic molecules at its Basel headquarters, reinforcing the Swiss pharmaceutical group’s long-term commitment to Switzerland.
Roche held the groundbreaking for Building 51 on 21 September 2026. The project, called the Synthetic Molecules Facility (SMF), also includes the modernisation of the neighbouring Building 50. The new site will combine advanced production technologies, digitally connected infrastructure and artificial intelligence. It is expected to be completed by 2030 and to employ around 200 highly skilled people.
Synthetic molecules already account for around half of Roche’s pharma portfolio, and some can be taken orally. As these molecules grow more complex, production processes must evolve with them. “Synthetic molecules are a key part of our portfolio and will continue to grow in importance,” said Roche Group CEO Thomas Schinecker. He said the aim is to bring new medicines from development into production, and to patients, faster.
The investment is part of a wider commitment. Roche says it has invested around CHF 41 billion in Switzerland since 2016. More than CHF 7 billion went into expanding and modernising Swiss sites, and over CHF 33 billion into research and development. The company is currently spending around CHF 1.4 billion on ongoing construction projects at its Basel/Kaiseraugst site.
Text: SCCIJ, based on Roche press release
