Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, has raised the final beam of its new manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina in the US, during a topping out ceremony – a construction milestone marking the completion of the manufacturing building’s structural framework.
The milestone reflects continued on-time progress on Genentech’s approximately $2bn investment in its first-ever US East Coast manufacturing facility. The facility is expected to support more than 2,000 jobs, including more than 500 high-wage manufacturing roles and more than 1,500 construction jobs.
Once operational, the facility will produce next-generation treatments for metabolic conditions, such as obesity. It will incorporate advanced biomanufacturing, automation, robotics and the latest digital manufacturing technologies designed to increase production efficiency, support sustainability and strengthen Genentech’s US-based supply chain.
The investment in technology includes an advanced digital twin – an AI-powered, data-driven virtual model of the manufacturing facility designed to simulate operations and test scenarios before real-world implementation. The approach improves overall reliability and minimises waste, ultimately helping critical medicines reach people faster.
The facility is part of Roche and Genentech’s broader $50bn commitment to R&D and manufacturing infrastructure in the US. Roche and Genentech’s current US. footprint includes 13 manufacturing sites, 15 research and development sites and approximately 25,000 employees across 24 locations in eight states.
Teresa Graham, CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, said: “Through Genentech, Roche is making long-term investments in advanced US manufacturing. Holly Springs strengthens our global manufacturing network with world-class digital and biomanufacturing capabilities, reinforcing the resilience, flexibility and long-term strength of our supply network to help meet the evolving needs of patients in the US and around the world.”
Fritz Bittenbender, Genentech SVP of Public Affairs and Access, said: “Every milestone toward operational production brings us one step closer to ensuring our innovative medicines reach the patients who need them.”