FUJIFILM Biotechnologies has officially opened its new manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, an event marked by the attendance of local, county, and state officials. The facility is positioned as a significant addition to the region’s growing life sciences sector.
North Carolina Governor Josh Stein spoke at the grand opening, emphasizing the anticipated economic benefits for both Holly Springs and the broader state. “This overall project will create 1,400 new, good-paying jobs in North Carolina by 2031 and will grow our State’s economy by more than $10 billion over the next decade. FUJIFILM isn’t just strengthening the workforce of today – it’s investing in the workforce of tomorrow,” said Governor Stein.
The $3.2 billion investment into this site marks it as Wake County’s largest single investment and job creation initiative to date. Currently employing over 680 people at its Holly Springs location, FUJIFILM expects to increase that number to 750 by year-end and reach 1,400 employees by 2031. The company reports that about 80% of these positions have been filled locally.
Mayor Sean Mayefskie commented on what this means for Holly Springs: “This celebration marks a meaningful milestone in the history of Holly Springs because at full buildout we anticipate that FUJIFILM Biotechnologies will become our largest employer,” he said. “Not only is this company providing high-quality jobs to our residents, but the impact of this investment will boost our local economy. It’s already attracting amazing companies, both large and small, to Holly Springs.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked completion of the first phase for what is planned as a commercial-scale cell biomanufacturing site handling antibodies and vaccines from development through distribution.
A second phase announced last year aims to double production capacity at the facility. Upon completion, it is expected that Holly Springs will host one of the world’s largest biologics manufacturing sites.
Lars Peterson, president and CEO of FUJIFILM Biotechnologies, credited public partners and educational institutions with helping make the project possible: “I am deeply grateful to our public partners in the State, County, and Town, as well as our workforce development partners at local colleges, universities, and training centers. The world is watching, and North Carolina stands out as the premier location for biomanufacturing. This close-knit community is building an innovative model that supports high-tech business growth; including sustainable energy resources, infrastructure for future growth, world-renowned research institutions, and a strong pool of technical talent,” Peterson said.
As biotechnology continues expanding across North Carolina, officials expect FUJIFILM’s presence to attract additional industry players—further strengthening Holly Springs’ position within this sector.
