Genentech has broken ground on a $750 million manufacturing expansion at its Hillsboro, Oregon facility, beginning construction on a project designed to increase capacity for advanced drug delivery devices and strengthen the company’s U.S. manufacturing network.
The manufacturing expansion will add 211,000 square feet to the existing facility, doubling the size of the current site. Commercial operations are planned to begin in 2031.
Hillsboro Manufacturing Expansion Adds Device Fill Finish
Once operational, the manufacturing expansion will add device fill finish capabilities, including the manufacturing of combination products, to Genentech’s U.S. manufacturing network.
The expanded facility will offer flexible high and low volume filling capabilities and is designed to manufacture medicines across oncology, neurology and immunology. The added capacity is expected to strengthen Genentech’s domestic supply chain and support reliable access to medicines.
The project will also introduce advanced digital technologies, including AI, automation and robotics. A digital twin will support real time monitoring and continuous improvement at the site.
Genentech CEO Ashley Magargee said the groundbreaking turns the company’s commitment into action, while highlighting the Hillsboro team’s role in manufacturing and delivering medicines over the past 20 years. She said the manufacturing expansion will bring device fill finish manufacturing to Hillsboro and support further investment in the site’s workforce and infrastructure.
$750 Million Investment Creates Manufacturing Jobs
The manufacturing expansion is expected to create approximately 250 high wage manufacturing jobs across filling and inspection, device assembly and packaging, cold storage and quality control. The construction phase is expected to support approximately 200 additional jobs.
Susanne Hundsbaek-Pedersen, Roche EVP of Pharma Technical Operations, said the company’s pipeline increasingly includes devices that improve delivery convenience. She said the Hillsboro project will add capabilities required by the future portfolio, while providing flexibility to respond to changing patient needs.
Hundsbaek-Pedersen also said the site will use advanced digital technology, AI, automation, robotics and a digital twin to optimise production and support continuous improvement across the facility.
Manufacturing Expansion Strengthens U.S. Network
The Hillsboro manufacturing expansion forms part of Roche and Genentech’s broader investment commitment in U.S. manufacturing and research and development. It follows recent investment milestones in Holly Springs, North Carolina, and Boston, Massachusetts.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek said the investment is moving “from plans on paper to breaking ground” and linked the project to Oregon’s workforce and advanced manufacturing capabilities. She also said the development would create new opportunities while strengthening Hillsboro’s role in U.S. medicine manufacturing.
Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace described the groundbreaking as an “exciting moment for Hillsboro” and highlighted the partnerships involving the city, Genentech, local organisations and the workforce that will support the facility.
Genentech established its 75 acre Hillsboro campus in 2006. The site currently supports drug product manufacturing, packaging, distribution and individualized therapies. With construction now underway, the manufacturing expansion moves the facility toward its planned 2031 commercial operations and adds new device manufacturing capabilities to Genentech’s U.S. production network.