Merck to move HQ in New Jersey

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Merck is moving its global headquarters from Whitehouse Station, N.J., to its existing property in Summit, N.J., which currently houses research, manufacturing, animal health and consumer care operations.

The drug maker said about 2,000 employees and contractors currently situated at the Whitehouse Station global headquarters building — which has been home for the company since 1992 after moving from Rahway, N.J. — either will move to the new facilities in Summit or to other nearby facilities, such as those in Branchburg, N.J. and Cokesbury, N.J.

The headquarters relocation is part of the company's ongoing program to consolidate its global real estate footprint and lower its annual operating expenses, following its merger with Schering-Plough in 2009. The transition process is expected to begin in 2014 and be completed in mid-2015.

"The relocation of our headquarters will help us achieve our future vision, reduce the size of our operating footprint, and increase agility as we adapt to our changing business environment," Merck chairman and CEO Kenneth Frazier said.

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