South Raleigh News

Governor Roy Cooper has announced that Amgen Inc., a biotechnology company, will expand its operations in Holly Springs, Wake County. The expansion is expected to create 370 new jobs and involve an investment of $1 billion.

"North Carolina’s reputation as one of the world’s leading centers for biotechnology soars even higher with today’s decision by Amgen," said Governor Cooper. He emphasized the state's skilled workforce and favorable business environment as key factors for this development.

Amgen, founded in 1980 in Thousand Oaks, California, serves patients globally with treatments for serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease. The company is part of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and employs over 27,000 people worldwide. This project will establish a second drug substance manufacturing facility on its North Carolina campus to support growth and serve patients better.

"This expansion reflects Amgen's ongoing commitment to innovation and the people who make it possible," stated Robert A. Bradway, chairman and CEO at Amgen. "North Carolina has been a strong partner."

North Carolina Commerce Secretary Machelle Baker Sanders noted the state's focus on building a skilled workforce as vital to attracting companies like Amgen.

The average salary for the new positions is $91,527, contributing more than $33 million annually to the region's payroll growth. Currently, Wake County's average wage is $74,866.

The expansion will be supported by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) approved by the state's Economic Investment Committee. Over 12 years, this project is estimated to grow North Carolina's economy by $3.59 billion. The JDIG agreement authorizes potential reimbursements up to $4,893,750 based on job creation and investment targets.

Amgen’s JDIG agreement could also allocate up to $1,631,250 into a fund aiding rural communities in attracting businesses through infrastructure projects.

“It’s fantastic that a company like Amgen has put down roots in our community,” said N.C. Representative Julie von Haefen. “Holly Springs and Wake County continue to rise as premier locations for biomanufacturing.”

N.C. Senator Sydney Batch added: “Today’s decision by Amgen is proof of the collaborative spirit our community has demonstrated since their initial decision.”

This project involved collaboration with several state organizations including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, Economic Development Partnership of N.C., North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System among others.