Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, has broken ground on its newest US manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, marking a significant milestone in the company's expansion strategy. The $700 million investment represents Genentech's first manufacturing facility on the East Coast and is strategically designed to support production of next-generation metabolic medicines, including treatments for obesity.
Strategic Investment in Metabolic Medicine Manufacturing
The 65,000 m² facility is part of Roche's broader $50 billion commitment to invest in US manufacturing infrastructure and R&D. According to Roche Group CEO Thomas Schinecker, "This $700 million project is an integral part of our broader $50 billion commitment to further expand our already significant presence in the United States, building on our 120-year legacy of driving innovation and creating jobs across America."
The facility will create more than 1,900 jobs and is expected to be completed and operational by 2029. The company selected Holly Springs for its highly skilled local workforce, strong academic institutions, and proximity to other leading life science companies in North Carolina's Research Triangle region.
Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities
The new facility will incorporate modern biomanufacturing technologies, advanced automation, and digital capabilities. Spanning 700,000 square feet on a 100-acre site, it's designed to integrate advanced automation, digital tools, and sustainable production systems critical for scaling complex, high-precision processes required for metabolic therapies.
The 400,000 m² lot includes space for future expansion, providing flexibility for the unpredictable nature of biotech innovation. This infrastructure investment positions Genentech to rapidly scale next-generation therapies, reducing time-to-market and ensuring supply chain resilience.
Targeting the Growing Obesity Treatment Market
The facility's primary focus on next-generation metabolic medicines positions Genentech to capitalize on the rapidly expanding obesity treatment market, which is projected to grow to $100 billion by 2030. The company's pipeline includes experimental treatments targeting multiple metabolic pathways, such as dual-agonist GLP-1/GIP therapies, which have shown superior weight-loss results in trials.
Economic Impact and Strategic Location
The project is expected to create 400+ high-wage manufacturing jobs and 1,500 construction jobs, with average salaries of $119,833—nearly 56% higher than Wake County's average wage. The state has provided incentives including a $9.8 million performance-based grant to support the development.
The facility's location in North Carolina's Research Triangle provides access to a skilled workforce supported by nearby institutions like UNC-Chapel Hill and proximity to other biotech companies including Amgen and CSL Seqirus, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Supply Chain Resilience and Manufacturing Strategy
Designed for high-volume, efficient, and sustainable production, the new facility will increase Roche's manufacturing capacity and enhance supply chain resilience. It complements Roche's manufacturing sites around the world, including in Europe and Switzerland, to efficiently serve patients globally.
By anchoring production in the US, Genentech aligns with federal policies aimed at securing domestic biotech capabilities and reduces reliance on overseas manufacturing, addressing supply chain risks that have affected the pharmaceutical industry.
