Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, officially broke ground on its newest U.S. manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, marking a major milestone as the biotech giant establishes its first manufacturing presence on the East Coast.
The planned 700,000-square-foot facility will support Genentech’s future portfolio of metabolic medicines, including next-generation obesity treatments. The project represents a $700 million initial investment and is part of Roche’s broader $50 billion commitment to U.S. manufacturing, infrastructure, and R&D.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by a range of federal, state, and local leaders, including U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, and Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie, among others.
Once operational by 2029, the facility is expected to create over 400 local manufacturing jobs, with more than 1,500 construction jobs during the development phase. Genentech selected Holly Springs for its highly skilled workforce, proximity to top-tier research institutions, and location within the rapidly growing Raleigh-Durham life sciences hub.
“We are proud to break ground on our new site in Holly Springs, with its world-class biotech talent and robust infrastructure,” said Ashley Magargee, CEO of Genentech. “This step strengthens our ability to deliver life-changing medicines faster while contributing to the U.S. economy and local community.”
The facility will feature state-of-the-art biomanufacturing technologies, advanced automation, and digital infrastructure aimed at boosting efficiency, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. The 100-acre site also allows for future expansion.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein welcomed the investment, calling it further proof of the state’s leadership in biotechnology:
“From our top-tier research universities to our world-class workforce, North Carolina has exactly what companies like Genentech need to succeed.”
Local leaders emphasized the facility’s potential economic impact on the region.
“This groundbreaking is a milestone for our community,” said Rep. Ross. “It means good-paying jobs and expanded opportunities across the Triangle’s innovation ecosystem.”
Mayor Mayefskie added, “Genentech’s presence will strengthen Holly Springs’ role in North Carolina’s biotech landscape and bring a powerful boost to our local economy.”
The site will play a crucial role in supporting Genentech’s growing metabolic disease pipeline while aligning with broader national efforts to onshore pharmaceutical manufacturing.