Sigma-Aldrich, a subsidiary of the Merck Group, is a life sciences and high-techcompany whose biochemical and organic chemical products, kits, and services are used in scientific research, including genomic and proteomic research, biotechnology, pharmaceutical development, the diagnosis of diseases, and as key components in pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and high-tech manufacturing. Sigma-Aldrich's factories in Jerusalem and Rehovot manufacture about 1,800 products, which are distributed to clients worldwideusing an advanced supply chain. Intensive R&D activity develops the next generation of products. Among the products developed in Israel are biochemicals, organic chemicals, fermentation products, immunochemicals, and synthetic peptides.