FUJIFILM Biotechnologies recently inaugurated its new manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina, marking the addition to its global network. The company stated that the site ranks among the largest commercial-scale cell culture biomanufacturing facilities in North America.

The first phase of the USD 3.2 billion project launches with a production capacity of 8 × 20,000 litre mammalian cell culture bioreactors, supporting both drug substance and drug product manufacturing. The facility is also set to add finished goods capabilities by 2026. The second phase, scheduled for completion by 2028, will double the capacity with an additional 8 × 20,000 litre bioreactors, bringing the total to 16 bioreactors.

“Fujifilm’s total global investment of over USD 8 billion to expand our contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) business underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing life sciences for our partners, people, and patients. Our new commercial-scale manufacturing hub in the US highlights Fujifilm’s dedication to supporting our partners in delivering biologic medicines targeting complex diseases,” said Toshihisa Iida, director, corporate vice president, general manager of Life Sciences Strategy Headquarters and Bio CDMO Division, FUJIFILM Corporation, Japan, and chairman, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies.

“Securing strategic manufacturing capacity is crucial to our ‘Partners for Life‘ strategy, to help ensure a stable supply chain for our customers,” he added.

Lars Petersen, president and chief executive officer, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, added, “This site bridges a critical gap in supply; with the world’s aging population driving a surge in chronic diseases, it’s vital to keep pace with the demand for life-changing medicines.”

The new, state-of-the-art facility currently employs over 680 employees, and is on track to reach 750 employees by the end of the year, with an overall goal of hiring a total of 1,400 by 2031. FUJIFILM Biotechnologies has nearly 5,000 employees worldwide.

A subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, FUJIFILM Biotechnologies is a world-leading CDMO for biologics, vaccines and advanced therapies. The company specialises in developing and manufacturing biopharmaceuticals using microbial, mammalian, and host/virus systems.

The grand opening celebration was attended by Fujifilm’s leadership, along with state and local public officials, including North Carolina Governor Josh Stein; State Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley; State Chief Deputy Secretary of Commerce Kenny Flowers; State Representatives Erin Paré, Julie von Haefen, and Donna White; Wake County Commission Chair Susan Evans and commission members; Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie; and members of the Town of Holly Springs Council.