Switzerland-based Roche has announced plans to invest over $258 million in its Penzberg biotechnology center, near Munich, Germany.

The plans call for construction of a new production facility, to be known as Diagnostics Operations Complex II (DOCII). The facility is scheduled to be operational in December 2014 and will create 50 new jobs.

This further investment in the Penzberg site is in response to sustained global demand for the reagents used in immunoassay testing in laboratories and hospitals. Immunoassays play a key role in the diagnosis and management of many diseases, including life-threatening conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, hepatitis and cancer.

“'This investment in meeting global demand for immunoassays is further evidence of the success of our personalized healthcare strategy,” said Roland Diggelmann, COO of Roche's diagnostics division. “Today's diagnostics make it possible to detect and differentiate the causes and triggers of chronic illnesses and acute conditions with greater precision than ever before. Modern diagnostic systems can test blood samples from up to 1,000 patients an hour and deliver highly accurate results. Based on laboratory tests, doctors are able to prescribe timely, targeted care for their patients. The new facility will ensure that we can continue to meet the rising demand for reagents.”

DOCII will expand production capacity for diagnostic test and control reagents. The facility will have a total floor area of 26,000 square meters and consist of three structures: a central, six-story laboratory building with a basement level and two adjacent single-level plant buildings.