AbbVie announces USD$1.4B manufacturing campus in North Carolina

USA—AbbVie has selected North Carolina for a new manufacturing campus worth US$1.4 billion, marking the largest single-site investment in the company’s history.

The project forms part of AbbVie’s broader US$100 billion commitment to expand manufacturing across the United States and further strengthens North Carolina’s position as a fast-growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology hub.

The Illinois-based drugmaker said the new campus will span 185 acres near Research Triangle Park, one of the country’s leading life sciences clusters.

Once completed, the facility will manufacture therapies from AbbVie’s oncology, immunology, and neuroscience portfolios.

Jobs and economic impact

AbbVie said the project will create 734 permanent skilled jobs, including positions for manufacturing operators, engineers, scientists, and laboratory technicians.

In addition, construction of the site is expected to generate around 2,000 temporary jobs over the building period.

The company expects construction to continue through the next several years, with completion targeted by the end of 2028.

The scale of the project makes it one of the largest recent pharmaceutical investments announced in North Carolina.

By choosing Durham County, AbbVie joins a growing number of major healthcare companies that are expanding in the region and adding high-value employment opportunities.

First development phase to focus on injectable medicines

AbbVie said the first phase of development will center on facilities for small-volume parenteral (SVP) drug production.

These medicines are commonly delivered by injection and include products packaged in vials, prefilled syringes, and cartridges.

Alongside the production lines, the company will also build offices, laboratories, and warehouse space at the Durham campus.

This combination of manufacturing, research, and logistics infrastructure is expected to support future expansion as demand for biologics and specialty medicines continues to grow.

AI and advanced manufacturing at the core

To improve efficiency and reliability, AbbVie plans to integrate advanced manufacturing systems and artificial intelligence (AI) into operations at the new facility.

These technologies will help manage production processes, improve quality control, and support supply chain performance.

Many pharmaceutical companies are increasingly investing in digital manufacturing tools to shorten production timelines, reduce waste, and maintain consistent product quality.

AbbVie’s new site reflects that broader industry shift toward smarter, more automated facilities.

US manufacturing push gains momentum

AbbVie’s announcement comes as several global pharmaceutical companies expand domestic production capacity in response to ongoing US efforts to strengthen local manufacturing.

Recent policy discussions have placed renewed focus on reducing dependence on imported medicines and increasing supply chain resilience.

Industry analysts have noted that local manufacturing investment now plays a larger role in shaping business strategy and policy decisions across the sector.

North Carolina attracts more global pharma players

AbbVie’s move marks its first manufacturing expansion into North Carolina and adds to its existing US operations in Illinois, Arizona, and Massachusetts.

The company is not alone in choosing the state. In November 2025, Novartis announced plans to build a flagship manufacturing hub in Durham consisting of three separate facilities.

Meanwhile, Genentech, part of Roche, is developing a US$2 billion production site in Holly Springs focused on therapies for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic diseases.