AbbVie Inc. to Establish Major Pharmaceutical Operation in Durham County, North Carolina
A significant boost is coming to Durham County’s life sciences sector as AbbVie Inc., a prominent global biopharmaceutical firm, has announced plans to create 734 jobs in a new pharmaceutical operation. The Illinois-based company is set to invest a substantial $1.4 billion in constructing a 185-acre manufacturing campus in Durham.
“We welcome AbbVie’s major investment to North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “When you combine our world-renowned research and innovation with a strong, thriving life sciences hub, North Carolina quickly becomes the premier location for biopharmaceutical companies to do business.”
AbbVie, which is one of the largest players in the biopharmaceutical industry, focuses on key therapeutic areas such as immunology, neuroscience, and oncology. This investment marks AbbVie’s inaugural major venture in North Carolina and forms a part of its $100 billion commitment to U.S. research and development (R&D) and capital investments over the next ten years.
The forthcoming facility will integrate cutting-edge manufacturing and laboratory technologies, alongside artificial intelligence, to aid the production of medicines in AbbVie’s core therapeutic areas.
“AbbVie’s investment in North Carolina represents a significant milestone for our company as our largest capital investment to date and an important expansion of our manufacturing footprint into a new region of the United States,” said Robert A. Michael, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AbbVie. “By establishing this campus, we are strengthening our ability to support future medical breakthroughs while also creating new jobs and a long-term partnership with Durham and the State of North Carolina.”
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the strategic importance of this development, stating, “This decision further cements North Carolina’s position at the forefront of the global life sciences industry.”
The jobs created will encompass roles such as engineers, lab technicians, manufacturing operators, and scientists. While salaries will vary by position, the average annual salary is anticipated to be $118,041, which surpasses the Durham County average of $102,817, potentially generating an annual payroll impact exceeding $86.6 million for the area.
The venture will benefit from a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), sanctioned by the state’s Economic Investment Committee. Over a 12-year span, this project is expected to augment the state’s economy by $8 billion. The JDIG agreement, based on the tax revenues generated by the new jobs and capital investment, allows for the possibility of reimbursing the company up to $19,347,000 over 12 years, contingent on annual performance verification.
The projected return on investment for public funds is 189 percent, equating to $2.89 in state revenue for every potential cost dollar. Even considering the grant’s reimbursement payments, JDIG projects tend to result in positive net tax revenue to the state treasury.
By selecting a site in Durham County, classified as Tier 3 according to the state’s economic tier system, AbbVie’s JDIG agreement also involves transferring up to $6,449,000 into the state’s Industrial Development Fund – Utility Account. This fund aids rural communities in upgrading infrastructure to attract future business.
Senator Natalie Murdock welcomed the development, noting, “A $1 billion investment underscores the strength of our universities and community college systems and pioneering research engines that make this region an attractive place to innovate, scale, and lead in a rapidly demanding industry.”
Representative Zack Hawkins added, “The life sciences economy thrives when partnerships are strong. In Durham and across the Triangle, collaboration between industry, academia, and local and state government translates into jobs, investment, and long-term economic resilience.”
The project has garnered support from various partners, including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly, and several educational and energy institutions. For more information, visit AbbVie.com/Manufacturing.
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