Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, has started construction on its newest US manufacturing site – its first on the East Coast – in Holly Springs, North Carolina. The 65,000 m² facility will create more than 1,900 jobs and will support production of the company’s future portfolio of metabolic medicines, including next-generation treatments for obesity.
Genentech’s initial investment in North Carolina is estimated at more than $700m and is part of Roche’s $50bn commitment to invest in US manufacturing infrastructure and R&D.
Thomas Schinecker, Roche Group CEO, said: “I am proud to break ground on our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Carolina, which will support the production of our next-generation obesity treatments. This $700m project is an integral part of our broader $50bn commitment to further expand our already significant presence in the United States. I am excited about the impact this facility will have on delivering life-changing medicines to patients in the US and around the world.”
It is planned that the new facility, in Holly Springs in North Carolina, will be finished and operational by 2029. With proximity to other leading life science companies, Holly Springs has a highly skilled local workforce and strong academic institutions, and is a growing hub for biopharmaceutical innovation.
The facility incorporates modern biomanufacturing technologies, as well as advanced automation and digital capabilities, and the 400,000 m² lot includes space for future expansion.
The new facility is designed for high-volume, efficient and sustainable production. It complements Roche’s manufacturing sites around the world, including in Europe and Switzerland and will increase the company’s manufacturing capacity and enhance supply chain resilience.