FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Expanding Manufacturing Operations in Holly Springs

$1.2 Billion FUJIFILM Corporation investment to create an additional 680 highly-skilled local jobs

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a global leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), announced today that it will expand its large-scale cell culture manufacturing facility currently under construction with a $1.2 billion investment from FUJIFILM Corporation, adding an additional 680 jobs.

This investment in the Holly Springs, North Carolina, facility brings the total investment in the site to over $3.2 billion, with employment reaching 1,400 by 2031. 

“The new jobs created by the expansion of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies in Wake County is yet another example of the thriving economic relationship between North Carolina and Japan, and we are grateful for their continuing investments in our state,” said Governor Cooper. “Japanese companies continue to provide good-paying jobs and economic opportunity for people across North Carolina.”

Once construction is completed, the facility will be one of the largest end-to-end cell culture biopharmaceutical CDMO facilities in North America, housing state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and technology including four suites of 4 X 20,000 L mammalian cell culture bioreactors for bulk drug substance. 

“At FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, we are committed to supporting a healthier society by providing state-of-the-art manufacturing expertise and capabilities which enable our partners to bring life-impacting medicines to patients in the United States and worldwide,” said Lars Petersen, president and chief executive officer, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. “On behalf of our company and its employees, we are extremely grateful to Governor Cooper, elected officials, economic and workforce development partners, Wake County, the Town of Holly Springs, the residents of North Carolina, and our life science industry partners for embracing FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies as we expand our manufacturing network in the US and Europe with this North Carolina facility and collectively build a vibrant life sciences ecosystem in the state.”

This announcement marks a commitment to Fujifilm’s presence in North Carolina. In March, 2021, Fujifilm announced a $2 billion, 725 job investment on the same site in Holly Springs. This is in addition to the Company’s RTP campus, with over 170,000 square feet dedicated to GMP manufacturing of biologics; 151,000 square feet of process and analytical development laboratories and approximately 60,000 square feet of administration space.

“FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ announcement today confirms that Wake County is the epicenter for global biotechnology companies that want to relocate or expand their facilities and grow their business,” said Chair Shinica Thomas of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “Our reputation for providing top talent, excellent educational opportunities and a quality of life that is second to none is attracting industry giants from across the country and around the world to our community.”

Holly Springs is recognized globally as one of the world’s leading life sciences and biomanufacturing hubs, with a well-established ecosystem, direct access to major transportation networks, diverse talent, and an exceptional quality of life. In addition to FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, international life sciences industry leaders in Holly Springs include CSL Seqirus and Amgen.

“This is an affirmation of the town of Holly Springs’ intentional long-term commitment to become a global hub for life sciences,” said Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie. “The fact that FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is so confident with their original decision to locate in Holly Springs that they’re expanding here before they even open their doors, is a strong testament to what Holly Springs means to businesses looking for a place to grow.”

This investment into Holly Springs brings more diverse jobs to the community, strengthens the local economy, and expands opportunities for existing small businesses. The announcement represents a significant economic impact for both Holly Springs and the broader Wake County community.

“The Town of Holly Springs and the State of North Carolina have together created an ideal environment for growth and development, understanding the needs of the business community and responding through their strategic investments in water, sewer, and road infrastructure, making it an ideal place for us to expand,” said Peterson.

The Company’s expansion is an example of Wake County’s strategic priority of supporting and growing existing companies in the region. This is also aligned with the county’s economic mobility goals. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies maintains strong ties with local government and workforce development partners such as Wake Tech, NC State and Wake County Public Schools to develop the workforce of the future.

“Projects like this are truly transformative for our community, with long-term economic benefits,” said Michael Haley, Executive Director of Wake County Economic Development. “FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies continues to invest in Wake County due to the strong network of partners that make up our ecosystem. This announcement is the result of dedicated work across a variety of organizations to propel our community forward.”

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is one of 650 life science operations across the Research Triangle Region. From contract research organizations to CDMOs and cell & gene therapy, and startups to global leaders, companies flourish in this global life science hub. Wake County brings together research, talent and community to scale the industry and move ideas to market.

Altogether, 4,600 life science and technology companies employ more than 89,000 people throughout the region. Industry convergence propels innovation across cell and gene therapy, precision health, biomanufacturing, artificial intelligence and more.

“Fujifilm’s investment will provide critical capacity to manufacture innovative therapies. As an integral member of North Carolina’s life sciences community, we are fully committed to supporting their continued success and growth in the state,” said Laura Rowley, PhD, Vice President of Life Sciences Economic Development for the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. “While the strength of North Carolina’s biomanufacturing training infrastructure is unparalleled, collaborative efforts including the Accelerate NC: Life Sciences Manufacturing Coalition are underway to increase awareness and ensure NC remains the leading location for biomanufacturing.”

Numerous partners collaborated to make this project a reality. Partners on this project include:

• Town of Holly Springs
• Wake County Economic Development, a program of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce
• Dominion Energy
• Duke Energy
• Capital Area Workforce Development Board
• Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
• North Carolina Biotechnology Center
• North Carolina Community College System
• North Carolina Department of Commerce
• North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
• North Carolina Department of Transportation
• North Carolina General Assembly
• North Carolina Japan Center
• North Carolina State University
• Representative Erin Paré (NC District 37)
• Wake County Board of Commissioners
• Wake Technical Community College