The plant was originally built during World War II by the Heyden Chemical Company to provide chemicals to the United States government for use in explosives. The site fell dormant after the war, until Merck leased it from the government in 1950. Merck purchased the site in 1965. Cherokee has undergone extensive infrastructure and facilities modernization since 1995, including a new power house, technical operations building, emergency services building, administration building, warehouse and cafeteria. A successful employee involvement program, implemented in 1997, created a flexible, team-based work force that gives Cherokee a significant competitive advantage.

On Jan. 1, 2008, the plant was purchased by Cherokee Pharmaceuticals, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PRWT Services, Inc. of Philadelphia. The plant will continue to produce APIs for Merck products through a 5-year supply agreement as well as begin manufacturing products for other companies.
Currently the Cherokee facility has approximately 390 employees.

• 1942 Heyden Chemical Company
  • The plant was originally built during World War II to provide chemicals to the United States government for use in explosive

• 1950 Merck & Co. Inc
  • Merck leased the site from the government in 1950

• 1965 Merck & Co. Inc
  • Merck purchased the site in 1965

• Jan. 1, 2008 Cherokee Pharmaceuticals, LLC
  • Purchased by Cherokee Pharmaceuticals, LLC, a
    wholly-owned subsidiary of PRWT Services, Inc.
    of Philadelphia Pennsylvania.