Elkton, Virginia, October 21, 2025
Merck & Co. has officially broken ground on a $3 billion Pharmaceutical Center of Excellence in Elkton, Virginia. This state-of-the-art manufacturing facility aims to revolutionize drug production and is expected to generate up to 500 high-tech jobs for the local workforce in the Shenandoah Valley, thereby enhancing the local economy significantly.
Elkton, Virginia
Merck & Co. has commenced construction on a $3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia, marking a significant expansion of its operations in the region.
Facility Details
- Size: 400,000 square feet
- Purpose: Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Small Molecule Manufacturing
- Job Creation: Over 500 full-time positions and approximately 8,000 construction jobs
Investment Context
This development is part of Merck’s broader commitment to invest more than $70 billion in U.S. research, development, and capital projects, aiming to strengthen domestic manufacturing and R&D capabilities. The Elkton facility will enhance the production of small-molecule medicines and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), supporting both manufacturing and testing processes. The project is expected to be completed by 2029, with manufacturing operations commencing in 2030.
Local and State Support
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin highlighted the project’s significance, stating that it represents a substantial advancement for both America’s and Virginia’s life sciences sector. The state has 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 site development. Additionally, Merck will benefit from the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which offers customized workforce recruitment and training services at no cost to qualified employers.
Background
Merck has a longstanding presence in Elkton, with nearly 85 years of operations in the area. The new facility will complement existing operations, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and patient access. The expansion is expected to bolster the Shenandoah Valley’s economy and further establish Virginia as a leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
FAQ
- What is the size of the new Merck facility in Elkton, Virginia?
- The facility will cover 400,000 square feet.
- What is the purpose of the new facility?
- It will serve as Merck’s Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Small Molecule Manufacturing.
- How many jobs is the new facility expected to create?
- The project is anticipated to generate over 500 full-time positions and approximately 8,000 construction jobs.
- What is the timeline for the facility’s completion?
- Construction is expected to be completed by 2029, with manufacturing operations commencing in 2030.
- What support has the state of Virginia provided for this project?
- The state has 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 site development. Additionally, Merck will benefit from the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which offers customized workforce recruitment and training services at no cost to qualified employers.
Key Features of Merck’s $3 Billion Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility in Elkton, Virginia
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $3 billion |
| Facility Size | 400,000 square feet |
| Job Creation | Over 500 full-time positions and approximately 8,000 construction jobs |
| Completion Timeline | Construction to be completed by 2029; manufacturing operations to commence in 2030 |
| State Support | $5 million performance-based grant and $4 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund; access to the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program |
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