Merck KGaA (Darmstadt, Germany) announced an investment of $22 million at its site in Tempe, Arizona. The company previously leased the 95,000 square-foot facility from Lexington Tempe L.P.
This investment gives Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany the flexibility to invest in its production facilities and strengthen its R&D capabilities in its global network of high-tech locations.
“We’ve operated out of Tempe for almost ten years. By purchasing the facility we are demonstrating our clear commitment to the site. We want to retain top talent in the area, being within close proximity to our west-coast customers is very important for us as well,” said Jeff White, President of EMD Performance Materials, the US-based Performance Materials business of Merck KGaA. “Also from an economic point of view the purchase makes sense. It came at a reasonable price which allows more long-term planning into future R&D and production investments, further strengthening our position in the electronics market,” he continued.
As part of this transaction, Merck acquired Lexington’s ground leasehold interest in the facility, which is located within the Arizona State University Research Park.
“We are proud to have Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, purchase its ASU Research Park facility,” said Morgan R. Olsen, ASU Research Park board president and executive vice president, treasurer and Chief Financial Officer. “The company’s investment at the ASU Research Park will expand its access to our talented students studying at one of the world’s leading research universities and positively impact our local economies for years to come”.
The facility houses more than 180 employees who support the Semiconductor Solutions business in the areas of manufacturing, R&D, administration, sales and marketing. In recent years, nearly an additional $10 million has been invested in the facility to enhance its manufacturing and R&D capabilities.
Prior to the purchase, the facility had been leased by the Versum Materials business for over nine years. Versum Materials was acquired in 2019 by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.