Genentech will build a 700,000-sq.-ft. high-volume fill-finish manufacturing plant in Holly Springs, Wake County, North Carolina, Governor Josh Stein announced May 12, 2025. The South San Francisco-based company, a member of Switzerland’s Roche Group, will invest $700 million in the facility, which will be its first East Coast production facility. The plant will support Genentech’s existing product portfolio and future pipeline. North Carolina’s Economic Investment Committee approved a Job Development Investment Grant on the same date.
What it means
The Holly Springs plant will add 400 jobs at an average salary of $119,833, compared with the Wake County average wage of $76,643, according to the state. Annual payroll impact to the community is projected at more than $50 million, and the state estimates the project will generate more than $3 billion in economic growth over the 12-year JDIG term. The state calculates a return of $3.30 in revenue for every dollar of potential grant cost, a 230 percent projected return on public investment.
Under the JDIG agreement, Genentech is eligible for reimbursements of up to $9,846,750 over 12 years, with payments made only after performance is verified by the North Carolina departments of Commerce and Revenue. Because Wake County is classified as Tier 3 in the state’s economic tier system, $3,282,250 will be directed to the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. The JDIG calculation is based on a job creation target of 420 positions. Partners in the project include the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, N.C. State University, Duke Energy, Enbridge Gas North Carolina, Wake Tech, Capital Area Workforce Development, the Town of Holly Springs, Wake County, and Wake County Economic Development.
Key facts
- Investment: $700 million (according to the company)
- Facility size: 700,000 sq. ft., high-volume fill-finish operation
- Location: Holly Springs, Wake County, North Carolina
- Jobs: 400 created; 420-job target for JDIG reimbursement calculation
- Average salary for new positions: $119,833; Wake County average wage: $76,643
- Annual payroll impact: more than $50 million
- JDIG term: 12 years; maximum reimbursement to Genentech: up to $9,846,750
- Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account transfer: $3,282,250
- Projected state economic growth over grant term: more than $3 billion
- JDIG approved: May 12, 2025, by the North Carolina Economic Investment Committee
Source: North Carolina Department of Commerce news release (commerce.nc.gov)