AbbVie to Introduce 734 New Jobs with Major Investment in Durham County
In a significant move poised to transform Durham County’s economic landscape, AbbVie Inc. (NYSE: ABBV), a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, has announced its plan to establish a new pharmaceutical operation. With an investment of $1.4 billion, the company is set to develop a cutting-edge, 185-acre manufacturing campus in the City of Durham.
“We welcome AbbVie’s major investment to North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “When you combine our world-renowned research and innovation with a strong, thriving life sciences hub, North Carolina quickly becomes the premier location for biopharmaceutical companies to do business.”
Headquartered in Illinois, AbbVie boasts an impressive portfolio in immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, alongside its Allergan Aesthetics offerings. This initiative marks AbbVie’s inaugural major investment in North Carolina, aligning with its $100 billion commitment towards U.S. research, development, and capital investments over the next decade.
The new Durham facility, designed to leverage advanced manufacturing and AI-driven laboratory technologies, will support the production of medicines in AbbVie’s key therapeutic areas. Robert A. Michael, the company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “AbbVie’s investment in North Carolina represents a significant milestone for our company as our largest capital investment to date and an important expansion of our manufacturing footprint into a new region of the United States.”
N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley noted, “This decision further cements North Carolina’s position at the forefront of the global life sciences industry.” He emphasized the state’s dedication to nurturing a skilled workforce and infrastructure to meet the needs of companies like AbbVie.
The new positions, which will average an annual salary of $118,041, surpass Durham County’s current average of $102,817. These roles, ranging from engineers to scientists, promise an annual payroll impact exceeding $86.6 million for the local economy.
Facilitated by a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG), AbbVie’s North Carolina project is expected to inject $8 billion into the state economy over the grant’s 12-year term. The JDIG agreement outlines potential reimbursements of up to $19,347,000, contingent on meeting job creation and investment benchmarks, ensuring positive returns for the state treasury.
AbbVie’s choice of a Tier 3 site in Durham County enhances the utility account of the state’s Industrial Development Fund, allocating up to $6,449,000 for infrastructure improvements in rural areas, fostering broader economic development.
“We welcome this investment and new jobs to Durham County,” said Senator Natalie Murdock. “A $1 billion investment underscores the strength of our universities and community college systems and pioneering research engines.”
Representative Zack Hawkins added, “The life sciences economy thrives when partnerships are strong. In Durham and across the Triangle, collaboration between industry, academia, and local and state government translates into jobs, investment, and long‑term economic resilience.”
This project is supported by a consortium of partners including the North Carolina Department of Commerce, North Carolina General Assembly, and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, among others, working collectively to ensure its success.
For more details on this project, visit AbbVie.com/Manufacturing.
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