Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, has commenced construction of a new manufacturing site in Holly Springs in the US state of North Carolina.

The 65,000m² facility represents Genentech’s first manufacturing plant on the US East Coast.

It will focus on producing medicines from the company’s metabolic portfolio, including next-generation treatments for obesity.

Genentech’s initial investment in the facility is estimated to exceed $700m. This investment is part of Roche's $50bn commitment to enhance US manufacturing and research and development capacity.

The Holly Springs site will create 1,900 jobs.

Roche Group chief executive Thomas Schinecker stated: “I am proud to break ground on our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Carolina, which will support the production of our next-generation obesity treatments.

“This $700 million project is an integral part of our broader $50 billion commitment to further expand our already significant presence in the United States, building on our 120-year legacy of driving innovation and creating jobs across America.

“I am excited about the impact this facility will have on delivering life-changing medicines to patients in the US and around the world.”

Genentech chose Holly Springs, North Carolina, as its location due to its reputation as a centre for biopharmaceutical innovation. This decision is driven by the area's skilled workforce, academic institution and its close proximity to other prominent life science companies.

The facility, designed for high-volume, efficient and sustainable production, will be operational by 2029. Situated on a 400,000m² site, it will incorporate automation and digital technologies and have capacity for future expansion.