Merck is set to potentially create thousands of jobs for American workers with the development of a new biologics manufacturing facility in Wilmington, Delaware. This $1 billion state-of-the-art center signals Merck’s efforts to move manufacturing back to the U.S.
In an exclusive interview on “Mornings with Maria,” Merck CEO Robert Davis detailed that while establishing this capability will take time, it aims to ensure stable drug access and generate high-paying jobs. Merck currently engages in contract manufacturing both within and outside the U.S. but is intending to consolidate both substance and product manufacturing domestically.
Davis clarified that operations in Ireland would not be shut down as they are necessary to serve international markets. The strategy involves a regional supply model where the U.S. serves U.S. needs and Europe serves Europe, thus enhancing supply chain resilience and ensuring drug supply security for U.S. patients.
Merck’s new facility will include laboratory, manufacturing, and warehouse spaces, supporting the launch and production of advanced biologics and therapies, including high-potency antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). It will also have capabilities for producing the cancer treatment drug KEYTRUDA.
The project is expected to generate approximately 4,000 construction jobs initially and 500 full-time positions with the potential to expand to 2,000 employees and 30,000 construction workers. Davis emphasized that this development would provide valuable opportunities for tradesmen and the manufacturing sector in the U.S.