Genentech has started construction on its first East Coast manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina. The project is expected to bring 400 jobs and represents a $700 million investment by the biotechnology company. Local officials, including Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie, welcomed Genentech during a groundbreaking event attended by state and federal representatives.
“Genentech’s new facility marks a defining step forward for Holly Springs,” said Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie. Not only does it strengthen Holly Springs’ role as a cornerstone in North Carolina’s life sciences manufacturing ecosystem, but we expect to see a powerful boost to our local economy, particularly for small businesses. We are thrilled for Genentech to be part of our community.”
The 700,000 square-foot plant will be located in the CaMP Helix business park in northwest Holly Springs. This development is part of ongoing efforts by the town to attract biotechnology and life sciences companies.
The addition of new manufacturing facilities like Genentech’s is shifting more of the property tax base from residential to commercial sources. Currently, Holly Springs maintains the second-lowest property tax rate among Wake County’s 13 local governments.
Recent growth in the life sciences sector has resulted in about 3,000 new jobs locally with an average salary of $110,000. Amgen, another major company that recently opened operations in Holly Springs, reported that over 70% of its new hires were from the local area. These firms are also working with schools to help train students for careers in life sciences.
Increased activity from large employers has contributed to growth among small businesses as well. In 2024 alone, more than 600 new small businesses registered in Holly Springs, including restaurants and service providers.
To support this expansion, state and external partners have pledged over $50 million for infrastructure improvements such as roads and utilities. Planned projects include a new access road near the business park to manage traffic flow, upgrades to Friendship Road and New Hill Holleman Road, enhancements at the US-1 Interchange, sewer system improvements within the business park, and a three-mile extension of water lines serving northwest Holly Springs.
These developments come as Holly Springs prepares for its 150th anniversary next year. Town leaders view economic recruitment efforts as key milestones that contribute to job creation, infrastructure upgrades, opportunities for small businesses, and maintaining low property taxes.
