North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein joined FUJIFILM Biotechnologies leaders and local officials at a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently for the company’s new $3.2 billion biomanufacturing site in Holly Springs.
One of the largest commercial-scale cell culture biomanufacturing sites in North America, the facility opens with a first-phase capacity of 8 x 20,000 liters (L) mammalian cell culture bioreactors to encompass drug product and drug substance manufacturing, while adding finished goods capabilities in 2026. The second phase of the facility, announced in 2024, will double capacity with an additional 8 x 20,000 L bioreactors for a total of 16 bioreactors.
"Fujifilm's total global investment of over $8 billion to expand our contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing life sciences for our partners, people, and patients. Our new commercial-scale manufacturing hub in the U.S. highlights Fujifilm’s dedication to supporting our partners in delivering biologic medicines targeting complex diseases,” said Toshihisa Iida, director, corporate vice president, general manager of Life Sciences Strategy Headquarters and Bio CDMO Division, FUJIFILM Corporation, Japan, and chairman, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies. “Securing strategic manufacturing capacity is crucial to our 'Partners for Life' strategy, to help ensure a stable supply chain for our customers."
Gov. Stein thanked the company’s leadership for having confidence in the state’s commitment to supplying a favorable business environment in the state and a ready supply of qualified workers.
“North Carolina is creating the future of biotech and Fujifilm is an industry leader,” Stein said. “This overall project will create 1,400 new, good-paying jobs in North Carolina by 2031 and will grow our state’s economy by $4.7 billion over the next decade. Fujifilm isn’t just strengthening the workforce of today – it’s investing in the workforce of tomorrow.”
“Wake County attracts cutting-edge life sciences companies like FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, because we offer a skilled workforce, a supportive business ecosystem and a quality of life that is second to none,” said Chair Susan Evans of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “As we cut the ribbon on this new facility, we show that, once again, Wake County is the leading hub for the biotech industry.”
CNBC recently ranked North Carolina the Top State for Business, highlighting its business-friendly environment and workforce. It was the third time in four years that CNBC ranked N.C. #1.
In addition to Gov. Stein, the celebration was attended by FUJIFILM’s leadership and state and local public officials, including State Sec. of Commerce Lee Lilley, State Chief Deputy Sec. Of Commerce Kenny Flowers, State Rep. Erin Paré, State Rep. Julie von Haefen, State Rep. Donna White, Wake County Commission Chair Susan Evans and other commission members, Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie and Town of Holly Springs council members. Representatives from local universities, colleges, and workforce training centers also attended.
The new, state-of-the-art facility currently employs over 680 employees. FUJIFILM Biotechnologies has nearly 5,000 employees worldwide.
"I am inspired by our team's incredible achievement in delivering this ambitious manufacturing hub in under five years. Leveraging our pioneering kojoX modular facility design approach, our teams and partners are able to accelerate build times, which will help get medicines to patients faster,” said Lars Petersen, president and chief executive officer, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies.
“This site bridges a critical gap in supply; with the world’s aging population driving a surge in chronic diseases, it's vital to keep pace with the demand for life-changing medicines."
By applying FUJIFILM Biotechnologies’ kojoX approach, the company was able to reduce design time by 70 percent, creating a near-replica of its existing commercial-scale site in Denmark.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, North Carolina Biotechnology Center President and CEO Doug Edgeton moderated a panel that included Peterson and Leila Schwery from J&J Innovative Medicine (a FUJIFILM customer at the site), Daniel Van Plew from Regeneron (another FUJIFILM customer at the site), and Bob Pragada from Jacobs, which supports delivery of the site including engineering, procurement and construction management services.
The panel’s topic was “Powering Tomorrow’s Therapies for Patients – Together.” To view a recording of the panel, please go to FUJIFILM’s YouTube channel. The panel discussion was streamed live to all FUJIFILM employees.
FUJIFILM’s facility is one of several biomanufacturing sites in Holly Springs. CSL Seqirus has a facility close by, and Amgen recently announced an expansion of its existing facility within a few miles of FUJIFILM. In addition, Genentech recently broke ground on a $700 million facility, the company’s first production site on the East Coast.