South San Francisco, Calif. — Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, broke ground on a $750 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Hillsboro, Oregon, adding 211,000 square feet and doubling the size of the existing site.
The expansion is expected to create about 250 manufacturing jobs and support approximately 200 construction jobs. Commercial operations are planned to begin in 2031.
Once operational, the expanded facility will add device fill-finish capabilities, including manufacturing of combination products, to Genentech’s U.S. manufacturing network. The site will have flexible high- and low-volume filling capabilities and is designed to support medicines across oncology, neurology and immunology.
Genentech said the additional capacity will strengthen its domestic supply chain and help support reliable access to medicines for patients.
The company plans to recruit for specialized positions in filling and inspection, device assembly and packaging, cold storage and quality control. The roles will combine traditional manufacturing expertise with digital skills involving artificial intelligence, automation and robotics.
Genentech established its Hillsboro campus in 2006. The 75-acre site currently supports drug product manufacturing, packaging, distribution and individualized therapies.
“Breaking ground in Hillsboro turns our commitment into action,” said Ashley Magargee, CEO of Genentech. “For 20 years, the talented team here has played an important role in manufacturing and delivering medicines for patients, and this expansion builds on that strong foundation.”
Magargee said the project will bring device fill-finish manufacturing to Hillsboro while strengthening the company’s domestic supply chain.
Susanne Hundsbaek-Pedersen, Roche Executive Vice President of Pharma Technical Operations, said the company’s manufacturing network is evolving as more medicines incorporate delivery devices.
“This manufacturing expansion in Hillsboro will add capabilities that our future portfolio will need, along with the flexibility to adapt as patient needs change,” Hundsbaek-Pedersen said.
The facility will incorporate advanced digital technology, AI, automation and robotics, along with a digital twin designed for real-time monitoring and continuous improvement.
The Hillsboro expansion is part of Roche and Genentech’s broader investment in U.S. manufacturing and research and development. It follows recent manufacturing and investment projects in Holly Springs, North Carolina, and Boston, Massachusetts.
Roche and Genentech have approximately 25,000 employees in the United States, along with 15 R&D centers and 13 manufacturing sites.
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said the project demonstrates the strength of the state’s workforce and its ability to support advanced manufacturing.
“Genentech’s continued growth in Hillsboro demonstrates the strength of Oregon’s workforce and our ability to support advanced manufacturing that is important to both our state and the country,” Kotek said.
Hillsboro Mayor Beach Pace said the project reflects cooperation among the city, Genentech and local workforce and community organizations.
