Amgen Inaugurates Cutting-Edge Facility in Holly Springs

  • Amgen inaugurated its cutting-edge drug substance facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 24.
  • The biotech leader also announced a $1 billion expansion at the same site, bringing its total investment to $1.5 billion and creating over 700 jobs by 2030.

Amgen celebrated the official opening of its state-of-the-art drug substance manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina, on January 24. The event, which featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marked the first phase of the company’s $1.5 billion investment in the region. Less than two months earlier, Amgen unveiled plans for an additional $1 billion expansion at the same site to meet increasing demand for its medicines.

Located in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, the Holly Springs facility exemplifies Amgen’s innovative approach to manufacturing. The plant combines traditional stainless steel-fed batch systems with single-use technology, delivering flexibility and efficiency while consuming 50% less water than standard facilities. This aligns with Amgen’s sustainability goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2027. Together, the two facilities will span over 500,000 square feet.

“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 site at Camp Helix Innovation Park is expected to create over 700 jobs by 2030, including roles in manufacturing, engineering, quality assurance, and process development. Amgen is also fostering local talent through a new partnership with Wake Tech Community College, offering an 18-month manufacturing apprenticeship program for individuals without formal bachelor’s degrees.

North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger praised the project, stating, “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.”

Amgen’s investment underscores North Carolina’s prominence as a leading destination for life sciences innovation. By leveraging decades of expertise and cutting-edge technology, the Holly Springs facilities aim to ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of life-saving medicines globally.

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