Genentech, part of the Roche Group based in Switzerland, has announced a significant investment plan for Holly Springs, North Carolina. The company intends to invest $700 million to establish a new high-volume fill/finish manufacturing facility. This development is expected to create 420 jobs in the area.
Governor Josh Stein commented on the announcement, stating, “World-class companies like Genentech recognize that North Carolina is a leading state for biotechnology. These companies know that our life science workforce is ready to help them deliver their cutting-edge medicines to the world. We are proud to welcome Genentech to North Carolina.”
In April, Genentech revealed plans for a $50 billion investment in research and development sites and expanded manufacturing facilities across several states including Indiana, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and California. The Holly Springs site is now confirmed as an additional location.
Paul Bezy, Global Leader of Roche’s High Volume Technical Operations Portfolio, explained the choice of Holly Springs: “Genentech is the industry pioneer in high-volume biopharmaceutical manufacturing and we know what it takes to supply these complex medicines. We selected Holly Springs for the combination of proximity to talent and high quality of life that supports attracting and retaining the right people.”
This marks Genentech’s first investment in North Carolina. The company joins over 600 life science operations already established in the Triangle region.
Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Susan Evans expressed her enthusiasm: “Genentech is the original creator of the biotech industry – a true leader in this field. Bringing this well-known and highly respected company to Wake County further elevates our position as the top hub for biotech research and manufacturing worldwide.”
The economic impact of this project is substantial, with an estimated support for 4,578 direct, indirect, and induced jobs resulting in an anticipated economic impact of $1.2 billion.
Holly Springs has become a preferred location for life science industries due to strategic planning efforts by local authorities. Companies such as CSL Seqirus, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, and Amgen have already invested significantly in the community.
Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie welcomed Genentech’s addition: “Residents and small businesses in Holly Springs welcome the addition of Genentech to our growing family of life science businesses.”
The new fill/finish facility will diversify Holly Springs’ existing life science industry by introducing specialized production sites focused on final stages of biomanufacturing processes. This includes filling medical devices with biopharmaceutical products and preparing them for distribution.
Numerous partners collaborated on this project including local government bodies, educational institutions like Wake Technical Community College, energy providers like Duke Energy, and various economic development organizations.
