Elkton, Virginia, October 21, 2025
Merck has officially broken ground on a new $3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Elkton, Virginia. This facility is expected to generate approximately 500 jobs, boosting the local economy while enhancing the state’s role in global health innovation. The plant aims to drive advancements in pharmaceuticals, supporting not only the workforce but also the community’s growth. This ambitious project underscores Virginia’s commitment to fostering significant industrial development and health-related advancements.
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.
Project Overview
The new 400,000-square-foot facility will serve as Merck’s Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Small Molecule Manufacturing. This expansion is expected to create over 500 full-time positions and approximately 8,000 construction jobs, significantly boosting the local economy. The facility is slated to be operational by 2029, with supply operations commencing in 2030.
Investment Details
This investment 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 innovation. The Elkton facility will focus on both active pharmaceutical ingredient and drug product manufacturing, supporting small-molecule production and testing.
Local Impact
Governor Glenn Youngkin described the project as a significant milestone for Virginia’s life sciences sector, underscoring the expansion’s potential to bolster the state’s leadership in biopharmaceutical advanced manufacturing and life sciences.
Background
Merck has a longstanding presence in Elkton, with nearly 85 years of operations in the area. The new facility will complement existing operations, enhancing the company’s capacity to meet global pharmaceutical demands.
Financial Information
As of October 21, 2025, Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK) is trading at $86.32 per share, reflecting a 1.79% increase from the previous close.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the purpose of Merck’s new facility in Elkton, Virginia?
- The facility will serve as Merck’s Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Small Molecule Manufacturing, focusing on active pharmaceutical ingredient and drug product manufacturing to support small-molecule production and testing.
- How many jobs will the new facility create?
- The expansion is expected to create over 500 full-time positions and approximately 8,000 construction jobs.
- When is the facility expected to be operational?
- The facility is slated to be operational by 2029, with supply operations commencing in 2030.
- What is the total investment Merck is making in U.S. research, development, and capital projects?
- Merck is committing more than $70 billion to U.S. research, development, and capital projects to strengthen domestic manufacturing and innovation.
- How long has Merck been operating in Elkton, Virginia?
- Merck has a longstanding presence in Elkton, with nearly 85 years of operations in the area.
Key Features of Merck’s New 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 |
| Operational Timeline | Operational by 2029, with supply operations commencing in 2030 |
| Merck’s Total U.S. Investment | Over $70 billion in research, development, and capital projects |
| Merck’s Presence in Elkton | Nearly 85 years of operations |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 Expands Manufacturing Presence in Virginia
Virginia Welcomes Merck’s $3 Billion Investment in Elkton
Construction Begins on Merck’s $3 Billion Pharmaceutical Hub
Merck Unveils $70 Billion Manufacturing Initiative in Virginia
Merck Begins Construction of $3 Billion Pharmaceutical Plant in Virginia
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.
