Elkton, Virginia, October 20, 2025
Pharmaceutical giant Merck has officially begun construction on a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia. Valued at an impressive $3 billion, the new site is expected to enhance the production of essential medicines, which will not only support the local economy but also align with broader national efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains. This significant investment reflects Merck’s commitment to advancing healthcare and addressing the growing demand for pharmaceuticals.
Elkton, Virginia
Merck & Co., Inc. has begun construction on a new advanced manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia, with an investment of $3 billion. The project aims to boost production of essential medicines, support the local economy, and strengthen domestic supply chains.
Facility Details
The plant will cover about 1,300 acres in the Shenandoah Valley, with 89 acres allocated to active operations. It will house pharmaceutical laboratories and manufacturing capacities for both animal and human health care products. The facility is permitted to store hazardous wastes in containers and is in the Corrective Measures Implementation phase of RCRA Corrective Action. It will be supported by a wastewater treatment plant, a solvent recovery operation, and a power plant with co-generation facilities. An onsite, permitted industrial landfill covers 7 acres in the northeastern corner of the property. The landfill was used prior to 1980 for disposal of production wastes, including organic and inorganic chemicals, and was capped in 2000 as part of a corrective measure, with a deed notice identifying its location. Groundwater flow at the site is managed by continuous production well pumping.
Economic Impact
The project is expected to create roughly 1,000 new jobs, contributing to the local economy. Merck’s Elkton site has operated since 1941, and this expansion highlights the company’s commitment to the region.
Background
Merck has a long history of investment in Virginia. In 2007, the company invested $193 million to expand its Elkton facility, boosting production capabilities for medicines and vaccines and creating 70 new jobs. In 2019, Merck announced plans to invest up to $1 billion over three years to further expand its Elkton manufacturing operation, adding 120,000 square feet to its existing 1.1 million-square-foot footprint to increase production of Human Papillomavirus vaccines.
Environmental Considerations
The facility is located in the Shenandoah Valley, just southeast of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. It occupies about 1,300 acres, with 89 acres dedicated to active operations. It includes pharmaceutical laboratories and manufacturing facilities for both animal and human health care products. The plant is permitted to store hazardous wastes in containers and is currently in the Corrective Measures Implementation phase of RCRA Corrective Action. It is supported by a wastewater treatment plant, a solvent recovery operation, and a power plant with co-generation facilities. An onsite, permitted industrial landfill occupies 7 acres in the northeastern corner of the property. Prior to 1980, various production wastes, including organic and inorganic chemicals from plant operations, were disposed of in the landfill. The landfill was capped in 2000 as a required corrective measure, and a deed notice was put in place identifying its location. Onsite groundwater flow is controlled by continuous production well pumping at the facility.
FAQ
What is the purpose of Merck’s new facility in Elkton, Virginia?
The new facility aims to enhance the production of essential medicines, contributing significantly to the local economy and aligning with national efforts to strengthen domestic supply chains.
How many jobs is the Elkton facility expected to create?
The establishment of this facility is expected to create approximately 1,000 new jobs, further bolstering the local economy.
What is the history of Merck’s operations in Virginia?
Merck has a longstanding history in Virginia, with its Elkton plant operational since 1941. The company has made significant investments in the region, including a $193 million expansion in 2007 and plans to invest up to $1 billion over three years starting in 2019 to further expand its manufacturing operation in Elkton.
What environmental considerations are associated with the Elkton facility?
The facility is located within the Shenandoah Valley, just southeast of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. The plant occupies approximately 1,300 acres, with 89 acres dedicated to active operations. The plant includes pharmaceutical laboratories and manufacturing facilities for both animal and human health care products. The facility is permitted to store hazardous wastes in containers and is currently in the Corrective Measures Implementation phase of RCRA Corrective Action. Additionally, the facility is supported by a wastewater treatment plant, a solvent recovery operation, and a power plant with co-generation facilities. An onsite, permitted industrial landfill occupies 7 acres in the northeastern corner of the property. Prior to 1980, various production wastes, including organic and inorganic chemicals from plant operations, were disposed of in the landfill. The landfill was capped in 2000 as a required corrective measure, and a deed notice was put in place identifying its location. Onsite groundwater flow is controlled by continuous production well pumping at the facility.
Key Features of Merck’s Elkton Facility Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | $3 billion |
| Facility Size | Approximately 1,300 acres, with 89 acres dedicated to active operations |
| Job Creation | Approximately 1,000 new jobs |
| Environmental Considerations | Located within the Shenandoah Valley, with environmental management measures in place |
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Author: VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER
The VIRGINIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionvanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia and the Home Builders Association of Virginia, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Williams Mullen. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
