Merck Opens $1 Billion Vaccine Manufacturing Facility in Durham

• Merck has opened a new $1 billion, 225,000-square-foot vaccine manufacturing facility in Durham, North Carolina.

• The facility is part of Merck’s broader $12 billion U.S. capital investment strategy since 2018, with an additional $8 billion planned by 2028.

Merck also known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has inaugurated a $1 billion vaccine manufacturing facility at its Durham, North Carolina, site. The 225,000-square-foot expansion aims to enhance the company’s production capacity and technological capabilities.

This investment is a key element of Merck’s broader U.S. growth strategy, which has seen over $12 billion allocated to capital investments in domestic manufacturing and R&D since 2018. The company expects to invest an additional $8 billion by 2028, further reinforcing its commitment to strengthening U.S.-based production.

“Expanding our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Durham marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen our production and manufacturing capabilities in the U.S.,” said Sanat Chattopadhyay, executive vice president and president of the Merck Manufacturing Division.

The facility integrates cutting-edge technologies, including data analytics, generative AI, 3D printing, and a digital twin system—a virtual model of manufacturing processes used to train employees and test process changes before implementation. These advancements aim to enhance efficiency and workforce readiness.

Amanda Taylor, vice president and plant manager at the Durham site, highlighted the impact of the investment: “To see the pride and the energy of the people who work here and are helping drive this evolution in our capabilities is just phenomenal.”