- Merck starts construction on a $3 billion, 400,000-square-foot pharmaceutical facility in Elkton, Virginia.
- The investment is part of Merck's $70 billion plan to expand U.S. manufacturing and R&D from 2025.
- The Elkton site will create over 500 full-time roles and 8,000 construction jobs.
- Merck's U.S. investments in 2025 include $6 billion across North Carolina, Delaware, Kansas, and Virginia.
Investment Overview
Merck has initiated construction of a $3 billion, 400,000-square-foot pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia. This project is part of a broader $70 billion investment strategy to enhance domestic manufacturing and research and development in the U.S., starting in 2025.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The Elkton facility is expected to create over 500 full-time positions and 8,000 construction jobs. This expansion builds on Merck's 85-year history in Elkton, reinforcing its commitment to the local community and the broader U.S. biopharmaceutical sector.
Broader U.S. Investments
In 2025, Merck plans to invest nearly $6 billion in manufacturing across North Carolina, Delaware, Kansas, and Virginia, creating over 1,600 new jobs. These projects include a $1 billion vaccine production facility in Durham, North Carolina, and a $1 billion biologics center in Wilmington, Delaware.
Future Plans
Merck aims to invest $3 billion in U.S. biologics and small molecule manufacturing sites, creating over 800 jobs. Additionally, a $3.5 billion investment in its Rahway, N.J. headquarters is expected to generate around 1,000 jobs. These efforts are projected to create over 48,000 construction-related jobs by 2029, strengthening U.S. medicine and vaccine production.
