Durham, N.C. – Yesterday, Governor Josh Stein announced that Novartis, an innovative medicines company whose treatments reach nearly 300 million people worldwide, plans to invest $771 million and expects to create 700 jobs in both Durham and Wake Counties.

“North Carolina continues to lead in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing, and Novartis’ expansion in the Triangle reflects our state’s talent and innovative spirit,” said Governor Josh Stein. “This investment will strengthen our state’s economy and ensure life-saving medicines continue to be made right in North Carolina.”

Currently in Durham County, Novartis employs 350 people for the development and production of gene therapies for patients and families devastated by rare and life-threatening neurological genetic diseases. This expansion will allow Novartis to manufacture medications across all of their therapeutic areas from facilities in the Research Triangle.

The company expects to create more than 700 new jobs in Durham and Wake Counties by the end of 2030.

Durham County

Building on an already strong life sciences presence, Novartis plans to initially invest $540M and expects to create 280 new jobs in Durham County, with a plan for additional investment and hundreds more jobs by the end of 2030. They will upfit or acquire approximately 260,000 square feet of industrial and operational space, split between two locations in Durham: 14 TW Alexander Drive and 2512 S. Tricenter Boulevard.

“On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I am delighted that Novartis is growing their presence in Durham County,” said Durham County Board of Commissioners Chair Nida Allam. “This investment will support the production of additional life-saving medications in the greater Triangle Region and also create new jobs that do not require a 4-year or advanced degree. I’m also very proud of the workforce development partnerships that will further enhance the pipeline to well-paying, entry-level manufacturing jobs.”

The facilities in Durham will include advanced biologics manufacturing, as well as filling and packaging capabilities for biologics.

Geoff Durham, President and CEO of the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, added, “We are so excited to see Novartis furthering their investment in Durham and committing to hire more people. Novartis is a wonderful community partner that supports community-building organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Durham Food Bank and is actively involved with Durham Tech. Novartis will be providing many high-paying jobs that only require a high school diploma or associates degree. This creates the economic mobility we need in the region.”

Wake County

In Wake County, the company will initially invest over $231 million and expects to create over 100 high paying jobs in Morrisville, with a plan for additional investment and hundreds more jobs by the end of 2030. This operation will expand national capabilities in the production of small-batch solid dosage tablets and capsules, including packaging for key lifesaving medicines.

“Novartis will join a host of thriving life sciences companies that are expanding their operations in Wake County,” said Chair Susan Evans, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “The word is out. The Research Triangle is the epicenter of biotech manufacturing, and because of our skilled workforce, business-friendly economy, and high quality of life, we will continue to attract companies like Novartis who will help improve the health and wellbeing of millions around the world.”

Morrisville stands out as a prime location for investment due to its dynamic life sciences sector, deep pool of highly qualified professionals, and close ties to renowned academic and research institutions.

“We are excited to welcome Novartis to Morrisville as they expand their presence in the Research Triangle,” said TJ Cawley, Mayor of Morrisville. “Their continued growth strengthens our region’s life sciences ecosystem and reflects the collaborative environment that defines the Triangle. Morrisville’s commitment to innovation and our central location make us a natural fit for companies advancing global health.”

Life Sciences in the Research Triangle Region

Home to more than 650 life sciences operations accounting for more than 49,000 jobs, the Research Triangle region consistently ranks as one of the leading life science clusters in the United States.

From fast-growing startups to large, multi-national corporations, the Research Triangle’s thriving life science ecosystem fuels growth across contract research, cell & gene therapy, production & manufacturing, and research & development.

Numerous partners collaborated to make this project a reality, including:

• The North Carolina Department of Commerce
• The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina
• The North Carolina General Assembly
• North Carolina Biotechnology Center
• North Carolina Community College System
• Durham Technical Community College
• Wake Technical Community College
• Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce
• Durham County
• Wake County
• Town of Morrisville
• Wake County Economic Development, a program of the Greater Raleigh Chamber

For more information about the Durham portion of this announcement, contact Durham County Economic Development Manager Matthew Filter at mfilter@dconc.gov or Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Economic Development Matt Gladdek at mgladdek@durhamchamber.org.

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