FUJIFILM Corporation announced a $188 million investment to establish a cell culture media manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park (RTP), North Carolina. The new site will be operated by FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific, Inc., a subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, and a world leader in the development and manufacture of advanced cell culture solutions for life science research, bioproduction, cell therapy manufacturing, and medical applications.
“We’re proud that FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific is the latest company to call the Research Triangle Park home, bringing with it many new job opportunities,” said Wake County Board of Commissioners Chair Sig Hutchinson. “Like many other global businesses, Fujifilm recognizes the value our region offers life sciences companies by providing top talent, easy access to transportation, and a quality of life that is second to none.”
The new facility is planned to ensure that FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific can meet increasing market demands for high quality cell culture media solutions. The state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will be over 250,000 sq. feet and located across 64 acres in RTP. This project will triple the company’s current capacity for liquid cell culture media production, while creating over 100 new positions including bioprocessing engineers, manufacturing, production and logistics roles.
To meet the requirements of its customers, the company made the strategic decision to expand its capacity by constructing manufacturing facilities in biotech centers around the world. As an area popular with life science companies, RTP in North Carolina was selected as an ideal location, providing enhanced supply chain security, and for customers in the region, more efficient shipping and faster delivery.
“FUJIFULM Irvine Scientific’s products and services are key for life sciences research,” said Katie Stember, Ph.D., director of life science economic development at the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, who provided technical support on the project. “The company’s commitment to consistency and reliability enables a shorter path for new medicines, from clinical trials to commercialization. This expansion will help relieve some of the current global supply chain constraints for North Carolina researchers and clinicians who rely on these supplies.”
This facility will join existing FUJIFULM operations in the Triangle. FUJIFULM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a world-leading contract development and manufacturing organization for biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies, currently operates a facility in Morrisville and is building a $2B development in Holly Springs. Both companies are independent subsidiaries of FUJIFILM Corporation.
“It is encouraging when companies with a successful experience in Research Triangle Park recognize the advantages and continue to invest and innovate in the Triangle Region. We are pleased to have collaborated with FUJIFILM Corporation, its consultants, and our regional partners at Wake County Economic Development, Economic Development Partnership of NC, and the NC Department of Commerce on this project,” said Scott Levitan, president and CEO of the Research Triangle Foundation.
Land development and construction are scheduled to start in spring 2023 with operation of the facility beginning in 2025.
Partners List
Capital Area Workforce Development Board
Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
NC Department of Commerce
North Carolina Biotechnology Center
North Carolina Community College System
Research Triangle Park
Wake County Economic Development/Raleigh Chamber
Wake County Government
About Wake County Economic Development
Wake County Economic Development is the primary economic development organization for Wake County, providing economic development support for its 12 municipalities. As a program of the Raleigh Chamber, the organization proactively creates an environment in which Wake County can grow and thrive, resulting in new jobs and capital investment.
About FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific
FUJIFILM Irvine Scientific, Inc. is a global leader in the innovation and manufacture of cell culture solutions for Life Science and Medical markets, providing products and services that assist our customers in advancing healthcare initiatives. Working across discovery research, cell and gene therapy, reproductive medicine and cytogenetics, as well as the large-scale production of biotherapeutics and vaccines, the Company is trusted by researchers, manufacturers, and clinicians. For over 50 years, our Mission has been to set the standard for excellence in our products and custom solutions to enable our customers to advance healthcare. Our facilities adhere to both ISO and FDA regulations, with manufacturing facilities that follow cGMP guidelines in the USA, Japan, and the Netherlands, and a media optimization center in China. All sites prioritize strategies that adhere to the FUJIFILM Sustainability Value
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