Pharmaceutical giant Merck has opened a novel 225,000 sqft vaccine manufacturing facility in Durham, North Carolina, US.
The $1bn extension to the Durham site is part of the company's bid to invest into its US infrastructure, with the company expanding its domestic manufacturing and R&D capabilities since 2018.
By 2028, the company plans to invest another $8bn into its US capabilities, creating new jobs and driving innovation in the key North American market.
The vaccine manufacturing facility will utilise next-generation technical and digital capabilities, including data analytics, generative AI and 3D printing.
"Expanding our manufacturing facility in Durham marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen our production and manufacturing capabilities in the US," said Sanat Chattopadhyay, Executive VP and President of Merck's Manufacturing division.
"The cutting-edge technologies employed here empower our workforce and underscore our leadership in innovation to support patients everywhere."
“This level of investment and commitment speaks so powerfully to the work we do here in Durham,” said Amanda Taylor, VP and Plant Manager at the Merck Manufacturing Division site in Durham.
“To see the pride and the energy of the people who work here and are helping drive this evolution in our capabilities is just phenomenal.”