Novo Nordisk has unveiled a significant investment plan, committing $4.1bn to construct a second fill and finishing facility in Clayton, North Carolina (NC), US.

The newly established facility will expand the company’s manufacturing capacity in the US and focus on producing injectable treatments for obesity and other serious chronic ailments.

The expansion will add 1.4 million square feet of production space, effectively doubling the square footage of Novo Nordisk's existing facilities in North Carolina.

Anticipated to feature the latest technology, water strategies and rooftop solar panels, the unit will enhance the company's aseptic manufacturing and finished production capabilities.

The building of the new facility is expected to generate 1,000 new jobs, adding to the 2,500 employees already based in the region.

Preparatory work has commenced on the 56-acre site, with construction expected to be completed between 2027 and 2029.

At the peak of construction, 2,000 external contractors will be involved in the project.

In addition to current investments, Novo Nordisk plans to ramp up its production investments during 2024.

The company anticipates investing $6.8bn to bolster manufacturing expertise, a significant increase from the $3.9bn invested in 2023.

Novo Nordisk product supply, quality and IT executive vice-president Henrik Wulff stated: “Clayton was the first manufacturing site for Novo Nordisk in the US, and this new, large-scale investment confirms the continued importance of our production facilities there as cornerstones of our company’s growth.

“For decades, we have partnered to foster a well-trained, dedicated and diverse local workforce in North Carolina. In Clayton and across our global manufacturing sites, we are driven by one purpose: to deliver more for the millions of people living with chronic diseases – and this facility will help us achieve just that.”

In May 2024, the company signed a research partnership with Flagship Pioneering and Metaphore Biotechnologies to develop up to two next-generation therapeutics for obesity management.