A major drug maker is putting billions into Maryland to make medicines and create thousands of jobs.
What’s Happening: AstraZeneca announced Thursday it will invest $2 billion to expand its manufacturing facilities in Frederick and Gaithersburg. The company will nearly double its commercial manufacturing capacity and bring its rare disease medicine production back to the United States for the first time.
What’s Important: The expansion will create 300 permanent jobs and support 2,000 construction jobs over the next four years. The facilities are expected to be operational by 2029.
Between the Lines: This is the largest private capital investment in Maryland in the last decade. Maryland is contributing $116.5 million over eight years to help make the project happen. AstraZeneca already employs more than 5,500 people in Maryland, making it the state’s largest drug company employer.
The Big Picture: The expansion strengthens the U.S. medicine supply chain by bringing production back from overseas. The facilities will use artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced technology to manufacture medicines for rare diseases and other treatments.
The Sources: Governor Wes Moore and AstraZeneca.
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