North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Merck & Co. has started construction on a $3 billion, 400,000-square-foot pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at its site in Elkton, Virginia, about three hours from both Durham and Greensboro. The project is part of a nationwide investment plan exceeding $70 billion to expand research, development and production capacity in the United States.
The new Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing will focus on active pharmaceutical ingredient and drug product production, supporting Merck’s small molecule manufacturing and testing operations. The project is expected to create more than 500 full-time jobs and about 8,000 construction jobs.
“This investment helps advance our goal of providing new, innovative treatment options for people facing serious health challenges in the U.S. and around the world,” said Robert M. Davis, Merck’s chairman and chief executive officer.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said the expansion strengthens the state’s growing life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors. “With hundreds of new jobs and cutting-edge capabilities coming to the Shenandoah Valley, we’re building a future where Virginians lead the way in developing lifesaving medicines,” he said.
The Elkton site has operated for nearly 85 years and plays a key role in Merck’s global manufacturing network. The company said the new facility will enhance its ability to supply medicines while reinforcing the U.S. biopharmaceutical supply chain.
This project follows several other large U.S. investments announced by Merck in 2025, including:
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A $1 billion vaccine production facility completed in Durham, North Carolina.
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A $1 billion biologics center under construction in Wilmington, Delaware.
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An $895 million expansion of Merck Animal Health’s De Soto, Kansas, plant.
Across these and other projects, Merck expects to create more than 48,000 construction-related jobs nationwide by 2029.
“For almost 85 years, our Elkton site has been a beacon of innovation,” said Sanat Chattopadhyay, executive vice president and president of the Merck Manufacturing Division. “We’re proud to be part of the Elkton community, where generations have contributed to our important work.”