Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical giant behind popular medications Ozempic and Wegovy, has announced plans for a massive $4.1 billion investment in a new manufacturing facility. This development marks the largest single life science investment in North Carolina’s history and signals a significant expansion of the company’s production capabilities in the United States.
- Location: Johnston County, North Carolina
- Investment Amount: $4.1 billion
- Job Creation: 1,000 new jobs with an average salary of $70,000
- Opening Date: Slated for 2027
- Purpose: Production of medications for obesity and other chronic illnesses
This new facility is part of Novo Nordisk’s broader strategy to increase production of semaglutide, the key ingredient in their blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. North Carolina is now one of only two locations globally where Novo Nordisk manufactures semaglutide.
The investment is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy, adding to the already thriving biotech industry in the Triangle area. North Carolina’s lower corporate tax rates were cited as a key factor in attracting this substantial investment.
This announcement builds on Novo Nordisk’s existing presence in North Carolina. In 2010, the company, along with Nypro Inc., announced plans to create 241 jobs over four years through a $161 million investment. That expansion included:
- 85 new jobs at Novo Nordisk’s Clayton plant for increased production of an insulin delivery device.
- Additional hiring at Nypro’s Asheville facility for manufacturing and assembly of the device
- $600,000 in grants from the governor’s One North Carolina Fund
- Potential for an additional $840,000 in incentives for Novo Nordisk, contingent on meeting job creation and investment targets
The latest $4.1 billion investment represents a significant scaling up of Novo Nordisk’s commitment to North Carolina, reflecting the growing demand for its obesity and diabetes medications.
This landmark investment by Novo Nordisk not only cements North Carolina’s position as a key player in the global pharmaceutical industry but also promises to bring substantial economic benefits to the region through job creation and technological advancement.
