Kyowa Kirin, a pharmaceutical company based in Japan, will build a new biologics manufacturing facility in Sanford, North Carolina, expanding its worldwide manufacturing presence in North America. The facility will produce cutting-edge biologic therapies, such as next-generation antibodies, for the company’s upcoming and future commercial purposes. It will help in establishing more robust and efficient supply chains that can better withstand changing global dynamics.
Kyowa Kirin approved an investment of up to $530m to build the facility in June 2024. Construction will commence in the second half of 2024, with the facility expected to be fully operational by 2027. The facility will generate 102 new jobs.
Location The facility will be situated within the Helix Innovation Park at the Brickyard in northern Lee County in Sanford. The innovation park is an 895-acre (362 hectare) industrial park designed for advanced manufacturing and life sciences, owned by Helix Ventures and Trustwell Group. 75 acres of land was acquired by the company within the innovation park for the development of the facility.
The North Carolina Department of Commerce led the state’s assistance to the company throughout its site evaluation and decision-making process. The Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) collaborated with state and local partners, including the North Carolina Biotechnology Center to help with site selection for the project. The location offers connectivity to th.