Merck & Co. has announced a sweeping $70 billion investment to expand its U.S. operations, reinforcing the nation’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing and research infrastructure. The multi-year plan includes major upgrades across Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Delaware, marking one of the largest domestic investment programs in the pharmaceutical industry.
The expansion underscores a broader industry trend toward reshoring production amid global supply chain disruptions and changing trade dynamics. “This significant investment underscores Merck’s commitment to advancing scientific innovation and supporting the U.S. biopharmaceutical ecosystem,” the company said in a statement.
A key project in the plan is the construction of a $3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia—an increase from an earlier $2 billion projection. The site will create roughly 500 new jobs, nearly double the initial estimate. Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin praised the decision, calling it a milestone for the state’s life sciences sector. “Merck’s continued expansion will strengthen Virginia’s position as a national leader in life sciences and advanced manufacturing,” he said.
In addition, Merck will invest more than $3 billion to expand its biologics and small-molecule manufacturing capabilities nationwide and allocate $3.5 billion toward its Rahway, New Jersey headquarters to boost global R&D capacity. Recent initiatives also include a $1 billion biologics facility in Delaware and a $1 billion site in North Carolina, both focused on scaling production of cancer therapy Keytruda and other biologic drugs.
Together, these projects are expected to generate more than 4,500 U.S. jobs. Merck’s expansion aligns with national efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains and reduce reliance on overseas manufacturing.
“At more than $70 billion, this investment represents a long-term commitment to innovation and American manufacturing excellence,” Youngkin said, reflecting the company’s growing role in securing the future of the U.S. biopharma industry.
