Merck has begun work on a $3 billion manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia, as part of its plan to ramp up U.S. production.
The new plant will span about 400,000 square feet and focus on small-molecule drug manufacturing and testing.
Merck said the investment will create over 500 full-time jobs and roughly 8,000 construction roles during the build-out.
This expansion is part of Merck’s broader commitment to invest more than $70 billion in U.S. manufacturing, research, and development beginning in 2025.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin described the move as a “transformational commitment” that strengthens the state’s role in advanced life-sciences manufacturing.
Industry watchers say the project also reflects broader trends of global drugmakers reshoring production to the U.S., amid potential import tariffs and supply-chain pressures.
Merck noted that the Elkton site has been part of its operations for nearly 85 years, signalling continued trust in the region’s workforce and infrastructure.
By prioritizing domestic manufacturing, Merck aims to support innovation, lower supply-chain risk and reinforce its ability to respond to global health challenges.
