Fujifilm Opens New Manufacturing Site in Holly Springs, NC

Fujifilm Biotechnologies has opened its new manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, which now represents one of the largest commercial-scale cell culture biomanufacturing sites in North America.

The first phase of the planned $3.2 billion manufacturing site opens with a capacity of 8 x 20,000 liters (L) mammalian cell culture bioreactors to encompass drug product and drug substance manufacturing, while adding finished goods capabilities in 2026. The second phase expansion (announced in 2024) will double capacity with an additional 8 x 20,000 L bioreactors for a total of 16 bioreactors.

“Our new commercial-scale manufacturing hub in the U.S. highlights Fujifilm’s dedication to supporting our partners in delivering biologic medicines targeting complex diseases,” said Toshihisa Iida, Director, Corporate Vice President, General Manager of Life Sciences Strategy Headquarters and Bio CDMO Division, Fujifilm Corporation, Japan, and Chairman, Fujifilm Biotechnologies. “Securing strategic manufacturing capacity is crucial to our ‘Partners for Life’ strategy, to help ensure a stable supply chain for our customers.”

The new, state-of-the-art facility currently employs over 680 employees, and is on track to reach 750 employees by the end of the year, with an overall goal of hiring a total of 1,400 by 2031.

“I am inspired by our team’s incredible achievement in delivering this ambitious manufacturing hub in under five years. Leveraging our pioneering kojoX modular facility design approach, our teams and partners are able to accelerate build times, which will help get medicines to patients faster,” said Lars Petersen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Fujifilm Biotechnologies. “This site bridges a critical gap in supply; with the world’s aging population driving a surge in chronic diseases, it’s vital to keep pace with the demand for life-changing medicines.”

By applying Fujifilm Biotechnologies’ kojoX approach, the Company was able to reduce design time by 70 percent, creating a near-replica of Fujifilm Biotechnologies’ existing commercial-scale site in Denmark.

With sustainability as a focus, 100% of carbon emissions from electrical consumption at the Holly Springs site will be offset through the purchase of renewable energy certificates via a virtual power purchase agreement. These achievements will contribute to Fujifilm’s overarching Sustainable Value Plan’s objective to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of fiscal year 2040.