Merck & Co. announced on Monday that it is expanding its total U.S. investments to more than $70 billion, underscoring its commitment to enhancing domestic manufacturing and research operations. The move comes as global pharmaceutical companies increase their U.S. presence to strengthen supply chains and production resilience.
The expanded investment aligns with the broader industry trend of scaling up U.S.-based production after former President Donald Trump encouraged drugmakers to manufacture more medicines domestically rather than relying on imported active ingredients or finished products.
In 2025 alone, at least 14 major global pharmaceutical companies have revealed plans to broaden their U.S. manufacturing footprints to mitigate supply chain risks and assure investors amid evolving tariff and trade challenges.
Merck confirmed that it has begun construction of a $3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Elkton, Virginia, as part of the total $70 billion investment announced so far this year. The new site represents a significant expansion from earlier plans, which had called for a $2 billion investment and the creation of 300 jobs.
According to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, the revised project will now generate around 500 jobs, marking a substantial boost to the local economy.
Merck also announced plans to invest an additional $3 billion in biologics and small molecule manufacturing sites and capabilities across the U.S., along with over $3.5 billion earmarked for upgrades and expansion at its headquarters in Rahway, New Jersey.
Earlier, the company revealed a $1 billion investment in a new Delaware facility dedicated to producing biologics and its blockbuster cancer therapy Keytruda, expected to create over 4,500 jobs. In addition, Merck inaugurated another $1 billion manufacturing facility in North Carolina in March, further reinforcing its U.S. manufacturing network.
With these initiatives, Merck is positioning itself as a key driver of domestic pharmaceutical innovation and production, aiming to secure a robust and self-reliant supply chain while expanding its oncology and biologics manufacturing capacity for the future.
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