Governor Youngkin welcomes AstraZeneca’s record investment bringing thousands of jobs and new innovation to Virginia
Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced a transformative new investment that places Virginia at the forefront of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the United States. Global biopharmaceutical leader AstraZeneca will invest $4.5 billion to establish two cutting-edge manufacturing facilities in Albemarle County, marking the largest single manufacturing investment in the company’s history.
The project includes one facility focused on producing drug substances for chronic diseases and another dedicated to antibody-drug conjugates for oncology therapies. Together, the two facilities will create 600 highly skilled jobs, including positions for engineers, scientists, and process facilitators. In addition, 3,000 indirect jobs are expected to be generated as a result of the expansion. “AstraZeneca’s $4.5 billion investment is the largest single manufacturing investment in the company’s history and a game-changer for American drug manufacturing,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The investment is set to create 600 high-paying jobs in Albemarle County, strengthening America’s ability to produce lifesaving medicines right here in Virginia.”
Governor Youngkin also praised the speed of the partnership, noting, “It took just 33 days from our first conversation to partnering on this project – that’s moving at Virginia speed.”
Facilities Will Support Innovation in Chronic Disease and Cancer Treatment
Upon completion, the new facilities will manufacture small molecules, peptides, and oligonucleotides for innovative weight management and metabolic treatments such as oral GLP-1, baxdrostat, oral PCSK9, and other small molecule products. The second facility will support AstraZeneca’s antibody-drug conjugate cancer pipeline, expanding capabilities in advanced oncology therapies. “With our $4.5 billion investment in Virginia, the largest in AstraZeneca’s history, we are not only building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, but also driving life sciences innovation and economic growth,” said CEO Pascal Soriot. “This new facility will create thousands of jobs and strengthen America’s national security and health sovereignty.”
A Major Win for Virginia’s Economy and Workforce
AstraZeneca’s new operations will be located at the Rivanna Futures Site in northern Albemarle County, a location previously awarded a $9.7 million grant through the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program. The project was secured through collaboration among the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), Albemarle County, and the General Assembly’s Major Employment and Investment Project Approval Commission.
The company will be eligible for an MEI Commission-approved special appropriation of up to $191.3 million, based on job creation and capital investment, along with additional support from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund. “AstraZeneca brings transformative investment to Albemarle County, creating high-quality jobs with competitive wages for our local workforce,” said Jim Andrews, Chair of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. “We have secured an anchor in our biotech and life sciences sector that will advance the County’s strategic goals.”
Bipartisan Praise and a Bright Future for Virginia
AstraZeneca’s announcement has drawn widespread praise from both state and federal leaders, who see the project as a turning point for economic growth, innovation, and public health. “This may be the most important investment in Virginia’s recent history of economic development,” said Senator Creigh Deeds.
“This development will not only contribute to the health and well-being of society, but serves as a powerful economic engine for our community,” added Delegate Amy Laufer.
“AstraZeneca’s $4.5 billion investment will build a new manufacturing facility, create 600 new high-paying jobs that focus on chronic disease care and prevention,” stated Representative John McGuire.
Customized Workforce Training to Support Growth
Job creation support will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, the #1 ranked customized workforce training program in the U.S. The program, developed by VEDP and higher education partners, delivers tailored workforce solutions and will align Virginia’s educational institutions with international biopharmaceutical standards.
With 18,000 employees already in the U.S. and $50 billion planned for national investments by 2030, AstraZeneca’s expansion solidifies Virginia’s status as a leader in life sciences and innovation. This project is not only a win for Albemarle County but also for the entire Commonwealth and the future of American healthcare.
