Fujifilm Biotechnologies Opens its Commercial-Scale Cell Culture US Manufacturing Site
Fujifilm Biotechnologies has opened one of North America's largest commercial-scale cell culture biomanufacturing sites in Holly Springs, North Carolina, with plans to double capacity and create 1,400 jobs by 2031, supporting biologics manufacturing and sustainability goals.
Fujifilm Biotechnologies celebrated the grand opening of its manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, US. The newest addition to Fujifilm Biotechnologies’ global network represents one of the largest commercial-scale cell culture biomanufacturing sites in North America.
The first phase of the planned $3.2 billion manufacturing site opens with a capacity of 8 x 20,000 L mammalian cell culture bioreactors to encompass drug product and drug substance manufacturing, while adding finished goods capabilities in 2026. The second phase expansion (announced in 2024) will double capacity with an additional 8 x 20,000 L bioreactors for a total of 16 bioreactors.
“Fujifilm’s total global investment of over $8 billion to expand our contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) business underscores our unwavering commitment to advancing life sciences for our partners, people, and patients. Our new commercial-scale manufacturing hub in the US highlights Fujifilm’s dedication to supporting our partners in delivering biologic medicines targeting complex diseases,” said Toshihisa Iida, Director, Corporate Vice President, General Manager of Life Sciences Strategy Headquarters and Bio CDMO Division, Fujifilm Corporation, Japan, and Chairman, Fujifilm Biotechnologies. “Securing strategic manufacturing capacity is crucial to our ‘Partners for Life‘ strategy, to help ensure a stable supply chain for our customers.”
The new, state-of-the-art facility currently employs over 680 employees, and is on track to reach 750 employees by the end of the year, with an overall goal of hiring a total of 1,400 by 2031. Fujifilm Biotechnologies has nearly 5,000 employees worldwide.
“I am inspired by our team’s incredible achievement in delivering this ambitious manufacturing hub in under five years. Leveraging our pioneering kojoXTM modular facility design approach, our teams and partners are able to accelerate build times, which will help get medicines to patients faster,” said Lars Petersen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fujifilm Biotechnologies. “This site bridges a critical gap in supply; with the world’s aging population driving a surge in chronic diseases, it’s vital to keep pace with the demand for life-changing medicines.”
By applying Fujifilm Biotechnologies’ kojoX approach, the company was able to reduce design time by 70 percent, creating a near-replica of Fujifilm Biotechnologies’ existing commercial-scale site in Denmark.
“Today’s opening allows Johnson & Johnson to further expand our US manufacturing capacity to bring our growing portfolio of transformational medicines to patients,” said Joaquin Duato, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Johnson & Johnson. “It also reinforces our long-standing and continued commitment to invest in US manufacturing, innovation, and job creation.”
“Ribbon cuttings are always special and momentous events, but this one is especially satisfying. We are excited to be part of this, and truly thankful to the Fujifilm Biotechnologies’ team for helping us establish this additional critical bulk capacity in the USA,” said Daniel Van Plew, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Industrial Operations and Product Supply at Regeneron.
“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,” added Petersen.
With sustainability as a focus, 100% of carbon emissions from electrical consumption at the Holly Springs site will be offset through the purchase of renewable energy certificates via a virtual power purchase agreement. These achievements will contribute to Fujifilm’s overarching Sustainable Value Plan’s objective to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of fiscal year 2040.
