Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has initiated construction of a $1 billion, 470,000-square-foot biologics center of excellence in Wilmington, Delaware.

Part of Merck’s continued commitment to investing in American innovation and infrastructure, Merck Wilmington Biotech will comprise laboratory, manufacturing and warehouse capabilities to enable the launch and commercial production of next-generation biologics and therapies, including potent antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), reinforcing Merck’s focus on expanding and diversifying its pipeline.

The site will also have the capability to manufacture KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), and Merck aims to establish it as the future U.S. home for producing KEYTRUDA for U.S. patients. This is part of a significant investment to not only bring the world’s best-selling medicine closer to the American patients who rely on it, but to also establish a home for Merck’s biologics portfolio of products serving U.S. patients.

“The Merck Wilmington Biotech site represents our continued commitment to growing our investments in U.S. manufacturing and has the potential to create thousands of high-paying American jobs while ensuring that we can produce and distribute products close to patients right here in the U.S.,” said Robert M. Davis, chairman and chief executive officer, Merck.

The new facility, located at Chestnut Run Innovation & Science Park (CRISP), will create more than 500 full-time roles and roughly 4,000 construction jobs. The laboratory component is expected to be fully operational by 2028, with production of investigational compounds anticipated to start by 2030. Potential further expansion of the site would create an additional 1,500 full-time roles and 26,000 construction jobs.

With proximity to Delaware and Pennsylvania universities, Merck Wilmington Biotech will also attract talented students and professionals, supporting community growth and development. The site’s proximity to Merck’s existing facilities across neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania will expand its nexus of talent and create broad and engaging opportunities for current and future Merck team members.