Biogen Invests in the Greater Zurich Area: Biopharmaceutical Plant in the Canton of Solothurn Planned

ZURICH, July 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --

Biogen Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB), one of the world's leading biotechnology companies, is investing one billion Swiss francs in Luterbach in the canton of Solothurn in a new production plant. Up to 400 new jobs are expected to be created starting 2019.

Biogen is one of the world's oldest biotechnology companies and was founded in 1978 in Geneva. The company researches, develops and markets innovative therapies. Biogen employs more than 7,500 people in 30 countries. In the Greater Zurich Area, Biogen has been present for more than 10 years when, in 2003, the third largest biotech company was created by the merger of Biogen and Idec Pharmaceuticals to become Biogen Idec. Since 2004, the head office of Biogen International has been located in the canton of Zug. In Switzerland, the company currently employs approximately 300 people.

Following today's signing of the preliminary contract between the canton of Solothurn and Biogen, Natascha Schill, CEO of Biogen Switzerland, said: "Thanks to the excellent support of the canton of Solothurn, the Commune Luterbach and the federal administration, we have the opportunity to build one of the most advanced production facilities in the world. The canton of Solothurn provides business-friendly environment, reliable infrastructure, and access to well-trained labor force."

Member of the governing council and head of the Department of Economic Affairs of the canton of Solothurn Esther Gassler emphasizes: "The coming expansion of one of the world's leading biotechnology companies is a great success for our business development. Swiss quality is a feature of the canton of Solothurn: innovation, precision and reliability."

Greater Zurich Area AG
The nonprofit organization Greater Zurich Area AG is the operational investment support and promotion agency for the Greater Zurich Area economic region. It attracts international companies abroad and, together with its cantonal and municipal partners, supports them on everything from location evaluations all the way to founding a company in Switzerland.
http://www.greaterzuricharea.com

Contact Greater Zurich Area AG
Sonja Wollkopf
CEO
[email protected]
Tel.: +41-44-254-59-06

SOURCE Greater Zurich Area AG