Amgen opened its newest cutting-edge drug substance facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on January 24. The event took place less than two months after the biotech leader announced plans for an additional $1 billion expansion at the Amgen North Carolina site to meet growing demand for Amgen’s innovative medicines. The day featured a groundbreaking ceremony for the new expansion with remarks from key Amgen leaders and government officials, including Amgen CEO Bob Bradway and NC Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger. Together, the two drug substance facilities will total more than 500,000 square feet.
The combined $1.5 billion investment is a testament to the importance of U.S.-based manufacturing—to the life sciences hub of North Carolina’s Research Triangle where this facility is based—and to Amgen’s work ensuring a safe and reliable supply of medicines to patients through a robust global manufacturing network.
"We thought long and hard about where to build this plant. We chose Holly Springs because the Research Triangle area offers unbeatable advantages, including a welcoming investment climate, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and a diverse and skilled workforce," said Amgen CEO Bob Bradway at the event. "This plant will further strengthen our ability to provide an uninterrupted supply of our medicines for patients suffering from heart disease, cancer, and other serious illnesses."
The Amgen North Carolina facility will feature two drug substance facilities, totaling more than 500,000 square feet, following a recently announced $1 billion expansion.
The Amgen North Carolina facility features a unique approach to manufacturing capability, combining a traditional stainless steel-fed batch plant with a single-use technology plant. The result is a more flexible and efficient facility, with a smaller physical footprint and 50% less water usage than a traditional plant, supporting Amgen’s sustainability goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2027.
Located in the heart of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, the Holly Springs site at Camp Helix Innovation Park represents a significant investment in the region. The initial facility is expected to employ more than 350 full-time staff members, and the new expansion will bring the total to more than 700 jobs for the region by 2030, including manufacturing associates, engineers, quality professionals, maintenance professionals, and process development experts.
"What an incredible day to celebrate growth and innovation here in the state of North Carolina,” said North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger. “It’s not every day a company decides to expand its operations before the initial facility is fully operational. The work being done here in North Carolina will have an impact far beyond our state—medicines manufactured here in Holly Springs will help patients worldwide."
Along with the ribbon cutting, Amgen leaders and government officials celebrated the groundbreaking for the additional $1 billion expansion at Amgen North Carolina.
Around 70% percent of employees currently working at the site are North Carolina locals, and Amgen is working to foster local talent and support the community. Through a partnership with Wake Tech Community College, Amgen is launching an inaugural 18-month manufacturing apprenticeship program, designed to expand opportunities for people who are new to the field of biomanufacturing, or those seeking a career change, without the requirement for a formal bachelor's degree.
Amgen’s decision to invest heavily in North Carolina speaks to the state’s status as a premier life-sciences destination. The region’s unique combination of innovation and skilled workforce played a crucial role in Amgen’s choice. The new facilities will leverage decades of operational expertise and technological advancements to ensure the reliable and efficient delivery of life-saving medicines to patients around the world.
“We are here to celebrate both a ribbon cutting for our first investment in North Carolina and groundbreaking of our next investment,” said Paul Lewus, vice president and site head of Amgen North Carolina, as he kicked off the event. “This is a rare double win: A double win for Amgen, for North Carolina, and most importantly for the patients we serve.”
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