Merck invests US$1B in new Wilmington biologics hub

USA—Merck & Co., known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has officially begun construction on a US$1 billion biologics center of excellence, named Merck Wilmington Biotech, in Wilmington, Delaware.

This state-of-the-art, 470,000-square-foot facility is strategically located at the Chestnut Run Innovation & Science Park (CRISP), about 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia, and is set to play a pivotal role in expanding Merck’s U.S. manufacturing capabilities for advanced biologic medicines.

The new center is designed to support the development and commercial production of next-generation biologics, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).

 Notably, it will become the future U.S. manufacturing hub for Keytruda (pembrolizumab), Merck’s blockbuster immunotherapy used in the treatment of various cancers.

By bringing the production of Keytruda and other critical therapies closer to American patients, Merck aims to diversify its product pipeline and meet the growing demand for innovative treatments in the U.S. market.

The facility will feature integrated laboratory, manufacturing, and warehouse spaces.

The laboratory component is expected to be fully operational by 2028, while the production of investigational compounds is projected to commence by 2030.

 This timeline reflects Merck’s commitment to both immediate and long-term growth in the biotechnology sector.

Economically, the project is set to have a substantial impact on the region.

The initial phase will create more than 500 full-time positions and generate approximately 4,000 construction jobs.

Merck has also outlined plans for potential future expansions, which could add up to 1,500 additional full-time roles and support as many as 26,000 construction jobs, further boosting local employment and economic development.

The choice of Wilmington is strategic, leveraging the city’s growing biotech sector and proximity to top universities in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

This location will help attract talented students and professionals, fostering a robust talent pipeline for Merck’s operations.

Additionally, the site’s closeness to Merck’s existing facilities in New Jersey and Pennsylvania will facilitate collaboration and mobility for current and prospective employees.

Merck’s broader investment in U.S. manufacturing is significant.

Since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the company has invested over US$12 billion in enhancing domestic manufacturing and research infrastructure, including a recently completed US$1 billion vaccine production facility in North Carolina.

Looking ahead, Merck plans to invest an additional US$9 billion over the next four years to further expand its U.S. manufacturing and R&D footprint.

Delaware Governor Matt Meyer praised the project, highlighting its role in positioning Wilmington at the forefront of medical and technological innovation.

 Merck CEO Robert Davis emphasized that the Wilmington Biotech site underscores the company’s commitment to growing its U.S. manufacturing presence and creating thousands of high-paying American jobs, while ensuring that critical medicines are produced and distributed close to patients in the United States.

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