North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Genentech has reached a major construction milestone on its new $2-billion biomanufacturing facility in Holly Springs, raising the final steel beam and completing the structural framework of what will become the company’s first manufacturing facility on the U.S. East Coast.
The topping-out ceremony marks the latest step in a project expected to support more than 1,500 construction jobs and 500 manufacturing roles when the facility is operational.
Pharmaceutical Technology reports that SouthernCross Construction, a North Carolina-based company, is part of the contracting team working on the construction of the new facility.
“Every milestone toward operational production brings us one step closer to ensuring our innovative medicines reach the patients who need them,” Fritz Bittenbender, Genentech’s senior vice-president of public affairs and access, said. “By expanding our advanced manufacturing in Holly Springs, we are actively investing in and strengthening the resilience of our U.S.-based supply chain.”
The project is part of Roche and Genentech’s broader $50-billion commitment to research, development and manufacturing infrastructure in the United States.
Construction has continued on schedule since Genentech announced its initial investment in May 2025. The company broke ground on the Holly Springs project in August 2025 and more than doubled its investment in January 2026.
Once completed, the facility will manufacture next-generation treatments for metabolic conditions, including obesity. Genentech said the plant will incorporate advanced biomanufacturing systems, automation, robotics and digital manufacturing technologies intended to improve production efficiency, support sustainability and strengthen the company’s U.S. supply chain.
A key component of the project will be an AI-powered digital twin — a real-time, data-driven virtual model of manufacturing operations that will allow the company to simulate processes and test scenarios before implementing them in the physical facility.
Genentech said the technology is designed to improve reliability, reduce waste and help speed the delivery of medicines to patients.
“Through Genentech, Roche is making long-term investments in advanced U.S. manufacturing because we believe America will continue to play a critical role in the future of biomedical innovation,” Teresa Graham, CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals, said in a statement.
“Holly Springs strengthens our global manufacturing network with world-class digital and biomanufacturing capabilities, reinforcing the resilience, flexibility and long-term strength of our supply network to help meet the evolving needs of patients in the U.S. and around the world.”
The project is also expected to add to the growing concentration of biopharmaceutical manufacturing in the Raleigh-Durham region.
To help develop its future workforce, Genentech is partnering with local academic institutions to prepare workers for careers involving artificial intelligence, robotics, automation and advanced biomanufacturing. Opportunities are expected across operations, maintenance, engineering, laboratory and warehouse functions.
Roche and Genentech currently operate 13 manufacturing sites and 15 research and development locations in the United States, employing approximately 25,000 people across 24 locations in eight states.
The Holly Springs facility is expected to play a significant role in expanding that manufacturing network as demand grows for new medicines and the industry increasingly turns to automation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies to modernize production.