Samsung Biologics to spend $280 million to build new factory in Rockville, Maryland

Samsung Biologics announced December 21 that it had purchased an old GSK human genome sciences facility in Rockville, Maryland for $280 million in order to turn it into the South Korean pharmaceutical company’s first manufacturing location in the United States. The company said it would retain 500 employees at the site.

The site will continue to produce human genomic medicine, but Samsung Biologics also said it would expand the site’s current drug substance capacity and upgrade its existing machinery. The company did not specify how much the expansions would cost, or how many more people would be hired to run the expanded production lines.

In a December 29 statement, Maryland governor Wes Moore welcomed the company and called the move evidence of Maryland’s stance in scientific manufacturing. Gov. Moore led a trade delegation to Japan and South Korea in April to encourage foreign investment in his state.

What people are saying

“We are thrilled that Samsung Biologics has selected Maryland for their first U.S. manufacturing facility, a testament to our state’s leadership in life sciences, our highly-skilled workforce and the commitment of our private and public sector to advance patient health around the globe,” said Gov. Moore. “During our Asia trade mission, we were excited to share with Samsung Biologics executives the many reasons why Maryland is an ideal foothold from which the company can execute its long-term strategy to expand in the U.S. market.”

“This landmark acquisition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing global healthcare and bolstering our manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. The investment will enable us to deepen our collaboration with federal, state, and local stakeholders to best serve our customers and partners while ensuring a reliable and stable supply of life-saving therapeutics,” said Samsung Biologics Chief Executive Officer and President John Rim. “This marks an important step forward in our mission to achieve a better life through biomedicines, and we look forward to building on the legacy of this facility as we welcome experienced colleagues to the Samsung Biologics family and continue delivering innovative solutions that make a meaningful impact.”

“With this new facility, Samsung Biologics will be at the heart of one of the top U.S. life sciences clusters which is home to a critical mass of private companies, world-class universities, and myriad federal facilities,” said Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “We look forward to working with Samsung as they transition to their new home in Maryland and helping them grow and expand here.”

Manufacturers investing in Maryland

AstraZeneca to spend $2 billion on expanding Maryland biologics operations
The British pharmaceutical says it will expand its Frederick flagship factory and build a new molecule factory in Gaithersburg.

Hitachi opens new $100 million railcar plant in Maryland
The new factory will use monitoring systems and AI programs to monitor manufacturing processes, supplies, and energy use in real time.

AeroVironment opens $12.5M defense research and manufacturing facility in Maryland
The Germantown facility will help accelerate the development of next-generation defense technologies, including phased array antennas, perimeter security systems, and AI solutions.