AstraZeneca chooses Virginia for largest-ever manufacturing facility investment as part of historic U.S. expansion
Richmond, Virginia – In a major boost to Virginia’s advanced manufacturing and life sciences sectors, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that AstraZeneca, one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, has selected Virginia as the site for its largest-ever single facility investment. The company plans to build a cutting-edge drug substance manufacturing plant in the Commonwealth, marking a key part of its broader commitment to invest $50 billion in the United States by 2030.
Governor Youngkin, alongside AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot and White House National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, unveiled the monumental project at a press event. The new facility is expected to create hundreds of highly skilled jobs and significantly enhance the domestic pharmaceutical supply chain.
“I want to thank AstraZeneca for choosing Virginia as the cornerstone for this transformational investment in the United States,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This project will set the standard for the latest technological advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing, creating hundreds of highly skilled jobs and helping further strengthen the nation’s domestic supply chain. Advanced manufacturing is at the heart of Virginia’s dynamic economy, so I am thrilled that AstraZeneca, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, plans to make their largest global manufacturing investment here in the Commonwealth.”
A Commitment to Innovation and Domestic Supply Chain Resilience
AstraZeneca’s forthcoming manufacturing facility will focus on drug production in vital medical areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, renal, metabolism, respiratory, immunology, and rare diseases. The company will use artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced data analytics to optimize pharmaceutical manufacturing and ensure high-quality production standards.
“Today’s announcement underpins our belief in America’s innovation in biopharmaceuticals and our commitment to the millions of patients who need our medicines in America and globally,” said AstraZeneca Chief Executive Officer Pascal Soriot. “It will also support our ambition to reach $80 billion in revenue by 2030. I look forward to partnering with Governor Youngkin and his team to work on our largest single manufacturing investment ever. It reflects the Commonwealth of Virginia’s desire to create highly skilled jobs in science and technology, and will strengthen the country’s domestic supply chain for medicines.”
Virginia’s competitive edge in research, science, and innovation made it an ideal choice for AstraZeneca’s massive expansion. State leaders praised the announcement as a direct result of deliberate long-term investments in the life sciences sector and the Commonwealth’s strategic commitment to advanced manufacturing.
State Leaders Welcome AstraZeneca’s Arrival
Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Juan Pablo Segura emphasized the Commonwealth’s growing role in global pharmaceutical innovation. “AstraZeneca selecting Virginia for this significant biopharmaceutical investment highlights the Commonwealth’s growing reputation as a hub for life sciences innovation,” said Segura. “With our top-tier research institutions, skilled workforce, and commitment to advanced manufacturing, we are well-positioned to support the breakthroughs that improve lives around the world. We welcome the opportunity to partner with global industry leaders who recognize Virginia’s unique strengths.”
Virginia House Appropriations Committee Chairman Luke Torian called the announcement a validation of the state’s long-term strategy. “Today’s announcement affirms that Virginia’s years-long commitment to intentional investments in life sciences and advanced manufacturing is working,” he said. “We welcome AstraZeneca to the Commonwealth and look forward to continued growth in Virginia’s life sciences sector.”
Senator Creigh Deeds, a senior member of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, echoed the enthusiasm, calling the partnership “an amazing opportunity” for the Commonwealth. “This new partnership with AstraZeneca is an amazing opportunity for the Commonwealth of Virginia to be home to a world-class manufacturing facility for drugs that will transform our bioscience economy and reshore our critical pharmaceutical supply chain. I’m proud the Commonwealth is playing a central role in this historic investment,” said Deeds.
A Strategic Leap Forward in the Life Sciences Sector
Based in the United Kingdom, AstraZeneca’s products are distributed in more than 125 countries and used by millions of patients around the world. The company’s decision to place its most significant manufacturing project to date in Virginia underscores the Commonwealth’s reputation as a leading hub for pharmaceutical development and life sciences research.
As AstraZeneca prepares to break ground on this transformative facility, the move is expected to catalyze future innovation, support high-paying jobs, and strengthen the resilience of the pharmaceutical supply chain across the United States.
