The MoU makes Siemens a preferred global supplier and strategic partner for Smartfacturing (short for Smart Manufacturing) technologies, paving the way for transformative projects across Merck's three business sectors.

"Healthcare, Life Science, and Electronics are at the core of improving lives and creating a more sustainable future. By combining Merck’s expertise in these vital sectors with Siemens’ cutting-edge hardware and software we are transitioning from a concept of mass production to a modular approach, saving time and increasing flexibility. With the MoU, we now aim to set new global standards for future production,” said Cedrik Neike, Siemens. “Our collaboration, which spans over 145 years, is a powerful reminder that Merck and Siemens are more than just partners - we are longstanding allies in shaping the future."

“Our goal is to bring new products to market faster, more cost-effectively, and with a heightened focus on sustainability," commented Kai Beckmann, Merck. "Smartfacturing is essential to achieving this, and Siemens is the perfect partner for this journey. Their deep domain expertise and century-long familiarity with Merck uniquely positions them to rapidly implement and scale our vision.”

Merck is driving an ambitious digital transformation, focusing on Smartfacturing. The MoU introduces centralized governance and a fast-tracked partnership framework, opening new business opportunities. Central to this is the Siemens Xcelerator platform, providing advanced software and hardware solutions. Key to the initiative is modular production based on the plug & produce principle, which reduces time to market, lowers costs, and cuts CO₂ emissions. This collaboration aims to drive innovation, reduce complexity, and foster growth for both companies.

A recent successful collaboration at Merck is the modular manufacturing line for GMP (good manufacturing practice) production, based on the MTP (module type package) automation standard. This ensures the facility meets the highest quality and safety standards, safeguarding patient health and reinforcing Merck’s commitment to excellence. Currently, Merck uses this technology for pharmaceutical and chemical production, but it can be applied to various manufacturing industries.

Michelangelo Canzoneri, Global Head of Group Smart Manufacturing at Merck, presented the Smartfacturing concept during the MoU ceremony. In a recent CHEManager interview he explained: “The journey towards Pharma 4.0 is driven by several business needs and pain points that pharmaceutical companies face in today's rapidly evolving landscape. These drivers push companies to adopt digital technologies and transform their operations to remain competitive, efficient, and compliant.”