Elkton, Virginia, October 21, 2025
Merck has announced a significant investment of $3 billion to establish a new manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia. This initiative is expected to create up to 500 new job opportunities, greatly enhancing the biotech landscape of the region. The new site will focus on efficient drug production, contributing to the growth of the Shenandoah Valley. This move reinforces Merck’s commitment to expanding its manufacturing capabilities while bolstering the local economy and workforce. The partnership underscores the importance of biotech in revitalizing Virginia’s industrial sector.
Elkton, Virginia
Merck & Co. has commenced construction on a $3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia, aiming to create up to 500 full-time jobs. This expansion enhances Merck’s nearly 85-year presence in the Shenandoah Valley, focusing on small-molecule manufacturing and testing. The facility is expected to be operational by 2029.
The 400,000-square-foot Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing will bolster Merck’s capacity to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug products. This investment is part of Merck’s broader commitment to invest over $70 billion in U.S. manufacturing and research and development, reflecting a significant increase from the original plan of a $2 billion investment and 300 jobs.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted the project’s impact, stating that it marks a significant advancement for both America’s and Virginia’s life sciences sector. The expansion is expected to strengthen the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in biopharmaceutical advanced manufacturing and life sciences.
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, along with local partners, played a crucial role in securing this project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $5 million performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Performance program and a $4 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to support the development.
This development underscores Merck’s ongoing commitment to innovation and its significant role in the U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape. The new facility is expected to contribute to the local economy and reinforce Virginia’s growing reputation in the biopharmaceutical industry.
FAQ
- What is Merck’s new investment in Elkton, Virginia?
- Merck & Co. has commenced construction on a $3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia, aiming to create up to 500 full-time jobs. This expansion enhances Merck’s nearly 85-year presence in the Shenandoah Valley, focusing on small-molecule manufacturing and testing. The facility is expected to be operational by 2029.
- What is the size and purpose of the new facility?
- The 400,000-square-foot Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing will bolster Merck’s capacity to produce active pharmaceutical ingredients and drug products. This investment is part of Merck’s broader commitment to invest over $70 billion in U.S. manufacturing and research and development, reflecting a significant increase from the original plan of a $2 billion investment and 300 jobs.
- How has the Virginia government supported this project?
- The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, along with local partners, played a crucial role in securing this project for Virginia. Governor Youngkin approved a $5 million performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Performance program and a $4 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to support the development.
- What impact is this expansion expected to have on Virginia?
- Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted the project’s impact, stating that it marks a significant advancement for both America’s and Virginia’s life sciences sector. The expansion is expected to strengthen the Commonwealth’s position as a leader in biopharmaceutical advanced manufacturing and life sciences.
- What is the expected timeline for the facility’s operation?
- The facility is expected to be operational by 2029.
Key Features of Merck’s New Facility in Elkton, Virginia
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $3 billion |
| Facility Size | 400,000 square feet |
| Job Creation | Up to 500 full-time jobs |
| Operational Timeline | Expected by 2029 |
| Focus Areas | Small-molecule manufacturing and testing |
| State Support | $5 million performance-based grant and $4 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Virginia Secures $3 Billion Pharma Investment from Merck
Merck Invests $3 Billion in Virginia, Creating 500 Jobs
Merck Begins Construction on $3 Billion Virginia Manufacturing Hub
Merck’s $3 Billion Expansion in Elkton, Virginia
Construction Begins on Merck’s $3 Billion Pharmaceutical Facility in Virginia
Virginia Governor Celebrates Merck’s $3 Billion Investment
Merck & Co. Breaks Ground on Pharmaceutical Center in Virginia
Merck Expands Manufacturing Presence in Virginia
Virginia Welcomes Merck’s $3 Billion Investment in Elkton
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.
