Merz North America will establish its headquarters in Raleigh, North Carolina, officials announced today at a press conference with Gov. Pat McCrory. The global pharmaceutical company – part of the Merz Pharma Group, with affiliates in 18 countries around the world – will move operations from current headquarters in Greensboro and from elsewhere in the U.S.
“For Merz, this move accelerates us toward our vision of becoming the world’s most admired, trusted and innovative aesthetics and neurotoxin company,” said Merz North America President and CEO Bill Humphries. “Our focus is on offering best-in-class customer service, bringing continued innovation to the marketplace and forging new partnerships.”
The decision to centralize Merz’s operations around a Raleigh headquarters follows more than a year of working with outside consultants to evaluate the company’s options, Humphries added. After looking at various metropolitan areas across multiple states, it became clear that Raleigh offers Merz the best opportunity to achieve its vision.
“Today’s announcement is another example of how companies recognize everything North Carolina has to offer – from the exceptional workforce to the high quality of life,” said North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory. “Our community colleges and universities are second to none and will provide a dedicated, hard-working and talented workforce for Merz.”
Home to three Tier-One research universities, two of which have dermatology and neurology teaching programs, Raleigh is the heart of the country’s life sciences industry, with more than 42,800 biotech employees and the highest concentration of doctorate degrees in the U.S. Additionally, Raleigh-Durham International Airport is one of the nation’s fastest growing international airports and is considering the addition of a direct flight to Frankfurt, Germany, the location of the Merz Pharma Group’s global headquarters.
“Our investment in Raleigh is a testament to the area’s talented workforce, business-friendly environment and high quality of life,” said Michael McMyne, Merz Head of North American Operations; Chief of Staff. “We look forward to partnering with the state, Wake County Economic Development, Raleigh Economic Development and the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce to invest in workforce development and job creation, further strengthening the Raleigh business community.”
The relocation will take place in a phased approach over the coming year. Merz has executed a lease at 6501 Six Forks Road for 60,000 square feet, which will be custom-built to meet the company’s needs today and for future growth. The new headquarters is expected to house 250 employees, including 50 net new jobs to the state of North Carolina.
“With more state-of-the-art space, our core business functions in one place and easy access to the brightest minds in the industry, Raleigh provides the best option for our future growth,” said Humphries. “We are pleased to join the area as we evolve to become an even more significant player in our industry.”
