Novartis Unveils Ambitious $771 Million Expansion Plan for North Carolina Manufacturing Hub

Novartis, the Swiss pharmaceutical giant, has announced a significant expansion of its manufacturing presence in North Carolina, with plans to invest up to $771 million and create 700 new jobs. The company aims to establish a "flagship manufacturing hub" in the state, bolstering its U.S. production capabilities and strengthening the domestic pharmaceutical supply chain.

Expansion Details and Strategic Vision

Novartis's expansion plan centers around two key locations in North Carolina: Durham and Morrisville. In Durham, where the company already operates a gene therapy production site, two new facilities will be constructed for biologics and sterile packaging. The existing Durham site will also be expanded to add biologic sterile filling capabilities.

In Morrisville, approximately 20 minutes from Durham, Novartis will establish a new plant specializing in solid dosage tablets and capsules, complete with packaging capabilities. The proximity of these facilities is strategic, allowing production teams to collaborate effectively and optimize various stages of the manufacturing process.

The comprehensive manufacturing campus will span approximately 700,000 square feet, combining new and existing spaces. Novartis expects the expanded facilities to come online between 2027 and 2028, marking a significant milestone in the company's U.S. manufacturing strategy.

Investment in Local Economy and U.S. Supply Chain

Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of this expansion: "By building a full, end-to-end manufacturing presence in North Carolina for our broader portfolio, we are expanding our capacity to deliver medical breakthroughs, securing a more resilient U.S. supply chain, and investing in the local communities that make our mission possible."

The investment aligns with Novartis's broader $23 billion initiative, announced in April, to build and expand 10 U.S. facilities over a five-year period. This commitment underscores the company's dedication to enhancing its U.S. manufacturing footprint and ensuring end-to-end production capabilities for key medicines within the country.

North Carolina's Growing Pharmaceutical Landscape

Novartis's announcement adds to a series of significant pharmaceutical investments in North Carolina. The state has become a hotbed for life sciences and biomanufacturing, attracting major players in the industry. Recent commitments include Roche's $700 million plant for obesity drugs in Holly Springs and Biogen's $2 billion expansion throughout the state.

Governor Josh Stein welcomed the investment, highlighting the positive impact on the local economy and the state's growing reputation as a hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing. The influx of high-skilled jobs and substantial capital investment further cements North Carolina's position as a key player in the U.S. life sciences industry.