The future of medicine manufacturing has arrived in Holly Springs, North Carolina. This week, Fujifilm Biotechnologies officially opened its massive new biopharmaceutical facility—the largest of its kind in North America—marking a transformative moment for both the local community and the global biotech industry.
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A Facility Built for the Future
This isn’t just another manufacturing plant. The $3.2 billion facility represents the largest single investment in Fujifilm’s history, designed to revolutionize how life-saving medicines are developed and produced. With the capacity to manufacture approximately 50 million doses of various medications annually, this state-of-the-art facility will play a crucial role in fighting autoimmune diseases and cancer through partnerships with pharmaceutical giants Johnson & Johnson and Regeneron.
“We are not simply opening a world-class biopharmaceutical manufacturing site,” said Lars Petersen, Fujifilm’s President and CEO. “We are celebrating a giant step forward in redefining how biologic medicines are made and delivered worldwide.”
Economic Impact That Goes Beyond Numbers
The numbers tell an impressive story: 1,400 expected employees by 2031, a $4.7 billion economic impact over the next decade, and currently over 680 people already working at the site. But the real story lies in what this means for North Carolina communities.
Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayesfki has witnessed firsthand the ripple effects of this investment. “I’m more excited about what it brings for our residents of Holly Springs,” he shared, pointing to the new developments sprouting up around the facility. The nearby Oakview Commons shopping center has welcomed coffee shops, local restaurants, and innovative businesses like golf simulators—all local entrepreneurs betting on their community’s bright future.
A Commitment to Local Talent
One of the most remarkable aspects of this facility is Fujifilm’s commitment to local hiring, with approximately 80% of employees coming from North Carolina. This approach not only strengthens the local economy but also builds a skilled workforce that will benefit the entire region’s growing biotech sector.
“We certainly want them to hire local,” noted Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley. “It’s our preference anytime someone establishes a company here that they’re hiring North Carolinians.”
Part of a Larger Vision
This facility opening represents more than just one company’s expansion—it’s a testament to North Carolina’s emergence as a biotech powerhouse. The state has become the top destination for Japanese capital investment and job creation, with Fujifilm joining a growing ecosystem of life sciences companies choosing North Carolina as their home.
Wake County Commission Chair Susan Evans emphasized this momentum: “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.”
Looking Ahead
While there are no immediate plans for expansion, Fujifilm has designed the facility with growth in mind—it has the potential to double in size as demand for biopharmaceutical manufacturing continues to grow. This forward-thinking approach positions both the company and the region for continued success in the rapidly evolving biotech landscape.
The Holly Springs facility represents more than manufacturing capacity; it’s a symbol of innovation, community investment, and the future of medicine. As Mayor Mayesfki reflected, this achievement represents years of vision and persistence: “That’s been our dream, and we’re excited to see those things come to fruition.”
For North Carolina, Fujifilm’s investment marks not just the opening of a facility, but the continuation of a transformation that positions the state at the forefront of global biopharmaceutical innovation.
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