Berlin, 1 December 2023 – BERLIN-CHEMIE, an international pharmaceutical manufacturer based in Berlin-Adlershof, is celebrating not only this year's International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, but also the proud 45th anniversary of its pioneering sheltered workshop. This anniversary marks a significant milestone in the company's history and sends a clear signal for equality and inclusion of people with disabilities in society and industry.

Since its establishment in 1978, BERLIN-CHEMIE's sheltered workshop has made an outstanding contribution to the integration of around 30 employees with mental and, in some cases, physical disabilities. As an integral part of the LAGeSo-certified pharmaceutical company with a history dating back to the GDR, it has established itself over the years as an integral part of the company's pharmaceutical production, not only of national importance, but also internationally.

‘The well-being and care of people are two fundamental values of our philosophy as part of the MENARINI Group,’ emphasises Dr Christian Matschke, member of the Executive Board of BERLIN-CHEMIE and responsible for manufacturing. ‘Our sheltered workshop is at the heart of our Adlershof site, benefiting the entire workforce. This year's 45th anniversary is not only a look back at the department's successful history, but also a look ahead to a future in which we want to continue contributing to the integration of people with disabilities into society and the labour market.’

The department's success is based on a collaborative approach characterised by appreciation and teamwork. Sebastian Jastram, head of the sheltered workshop department, emphasises: ‘We work together as a unit and always treat each other with respect. Through continuous process optimisation, we achieve an almost error-free way of working and at the same time create a motivating working atmosphere characterised by a zest for action.’

Despite the positive results of this unique and sustainable initiative, which has already been recognised by the VCI with the 2018 Responsible Care Award, the shortage of skilled workers is also becoming apparent in the sheltered workshop department. In order to continue to set a positive example for successful inclusion in the future, BERLIN-CHEMIE is therefore particularly keen to create more visibility and show that there is potential and scope for new perspectives within the pharmaceutical industry.

About Berlin-Chemie

Berlin-Chemie AG is an internationally active, research-based pharmaceutical company founded in 1890 and based in Berlin-Adlershof. Since 1992, the company has been a subsidiary of the Italian Menarini Group and is responsible within the group for the primary care business in Germany and in over 30 countries in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The group's largest production site is located in Berlin, where high-quality medicines are manufactured for over 90 countries worldwide. Berlin-Chemie generated sales of around €1.48 billion in 2024 and employs around 1,500 people in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.

About The Menarini Group

The Menarini Group is a leading international pharmaceutical and diagnostics company, with a turnover of over $4 billion and over 17,000 employees. Menarini is focused on therapeutic areas with high unmet needs with products for cardiology, oncology, pneumology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, diabetology, inflammation, and analgesia. With 18 production sites and 9 Research and Development centers, Menarini’s products are available in 140 countries worldwide. For further information, please visit www.menarini.com.

Contact

Alessandro Grua
Head of Regional Communication & PR
mediarelations@berlin-chemie.de