Genentech completes structural frame for $2B Holly Springs biomanufacturing site

Milestone reached

Genentech raised the final beam at its Holly Springs, North Carolina site, marking the topping out of the manufacturing building’s structural framework for the company’s approximately $2 billion East Coast facility. The move follows the project’s May 2025 initial investment, August 2025 groundbreaking and a January 2026 expansion announcement.

Facility capabilities

Once operational, the facility will produce next-generation treatments for metabolic conditions such as obesity and will integrate advanced biomanufacturing with automation, robotics and digital manufacturing technologies. The investment includes an AI-powered digital twin — a data-driven virtual model to simulate operations and test scenarios before real-world implementation — intended to increase reliability, reduce waste and accelerate delivery of medicines.

Jobs and local engagement

The project is expected to support more than 2,000 jobs, including over 1,500 construction roles and more than 500 high-wage manufacturing positions. Genentech plans partnerships with local academic institutions to prepare talent for roles in AI, robotics, automation and advanced biomanufacturing across operations, maintenance, engineering, labs and warehouses.

Strategic context

The Holly Springs plant is part of Roche and Genentech’s broader $50 billion commitment to R&D and manufacturing infrastructure in the U.S., complementing their existing U.S. footprint of 13 manufacturing and 15 research sites and roughly 25,000 employees across 24 locations in eight states.