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22 August 2025
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Aug 22, 2025Manufacturing Today
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Welspun Tubular, a subsidiary of India-based Welspun Corp Ltd, is investing $150 million into its manufacturing operations in Little Rock, Arkansas. The expansion reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the U.S. market and is set to create 300 new jobs, significantly enhancing the region’s role in the nation’s energy infrastructure.
The investment will add a new Longitudinally Submerged Arc Welded (LSAW) line-pipe mill and an advanced coating facility to the company’s existing complex. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
Once completed, the expanded facility will become the only mill in the United States capable of manufacturing line pipes ranging in diameter from 6 to 56 inches. This broad capacity range enables Welspun to meet a wider array of project specifications across oil and gas, hydrogen transport, carbon capture pipelines, and LNG export infrastructure.
The LSAW mill will complement the company’s existing High Frequency Induction Welded (HFIW) pipe operations, allowing it to offer both seamless and welded steel pipes under one roof. It also enhances its logistical capabilities by leveraging Arkansas’s central location and multimodal transport access.
According to company executives, the coating facility will be equipped to handle both internal and external anti-corrosion coatings, supporting clients with faster delivery and tailored finishes. These upgrades will position the facility to compete not only nationally but also for projects tied to U.S. federal infrastructure funding, where domestic sourcing has become increasingly emphasized.
This $150 million expansion follows a separate $100 million investment announced in 2024 that expanded HFIW capacity and created 175 new jobs in the region. Combined, the two initiatives bring Welspun’s total investment in Arkansas to more than $400 million since the facility opened in 2007.
The company’s long-standing presence in the state has been pivotal in establishing Little Rock as a manufacturing hub. Local and state officials, including Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, have highlighted Welspun’s commitment as an example of successful industrial partnerships that benefit both the economy and workforce.
Backed by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the latest expansion is supported through job creation incentives and infrastructure assistance. These efforts aim to keep Arkansas competitive in attracting advanced manufacturing amid a nationwide push to localize supply chains.
Welspun’s expanded capabilities arrive at a critical time for U.S. infrastructure planning. Federal programs such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act are fueling demand for domestically sourced materials and energy-ready pipe systems.
By increasing its domestic pipe manufacturing footprint, Welspun is contributing to reduced reliance on imports, helping to secure the supply of vital infrastructure components. The LSAW mill’s flexibility will also make it easier for project developers to procure pipe without long lead times or overseas shipping risks.
The company’s Arkansas operations are also set up to support emerging energy systems, including hydrogen distribution and carbon capture, aligning with broader climate and energy transition goals.
Sources:
Yahoo Finance
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Johnson & Johnson Commits $2 Billion To Fujifilm’S North Carolina Biopharma HubSubscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest manufacturing news.
A new $2 billion agreement between Johnson & Johnson and Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies is reinforcing the U.S. government’s push to rebuild domestic drug manufacturing capacity. The ten‑year deal will secure large‑scale production capacity at Fujifilm’s new biopharmaceutical site in Holly Springs, North Carolina, positioning the state as a cornerstone of the country’s onshoring efforts.
The site, still under construction, will provide contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) services for biologics once operational in 2025. Johnson & Johnson, through its Janssen Supply Group, has entered into the agreement to ensure long‑term capacity for monoclonal antibodies and other biologics that are central to the company’s drug pipeline.
The announcement is part of a broader shift in pharmaceutical manufacturing strategy. After decades of offshoring production to Asia and Europe, major drugmakers are being driven to reinvest in U.S. soil. Factors include lessons learned during the COVID‑19 pandemic, increased political pressure for domestic resilience, and rising geopolitical tensions that threaten global supply chains.
In this context, J&J’s $2 billion agreement fits into a wave of onshoring investments that have already surpassed $55 billion over the past few years. Companies such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Amgen are all expanding U.S. operations, while the Biden administration has continued to incentivize reshoring efforts via legislation and direct subsidies.
The Fujifilm facility in Holly Springs is expected to be one of the largest end‑to‑end cell culture biopharmaceutical manufacturing sites in North America. J&J’s agreement secures exclusive use of part of the facility and ensures dedicated capacity for its therapies over a ten‑year span. For Fujifilm, the deal is another signal of confidence from major pharma customers after it previously landed a $1.6 billion agreement with Regeneron in 2023.
Fujifilm’s new facility will bring approximately 725 skilled jobs to the region and spans more than 160,000 square feet. Construction began in 2021 and the plant is expected to be operational in 2025. It will support all phases of drug development from clinical trials to commercial manufacturing, providing J&J with flexibility across multiple pipeline stages.
The Holly Springs site is one of several recent biomanufacturing hubs forming across North Carolina, further establishing the state as a central player in U.S. biopharma logistics and innovation. Fujifilm’s decision to expand in this location was supported by more than $2 billion in investment, aided by state and local government incentives.
In addition to Holly Springs, J&J is also expanding its own operations elsewhere in the state. The company’s Wilson facility has undergone a major scale‑up and other regional sites have been identified for future capacity development. These moves align with J&J’s stated goals to shorten supply chains, reduce transportation risks and respond more quickly to emerging healthcare demands.
Joaquin Duato, CEO of Johnson & Johnson, emphasized the role of the deal in reinforcing the resilience of the healthcare system. The partnership with Fujifilm will provide security of supply and scalable capacity to bring new therapies to market faster, he said in a press release issued shortly after the announcement.
The demand for biologics, particularly monoclonal antibodies, is expected to grow significantly over the next decade. These treatments require highly specialised and expensive manufacturing capabilities that many pharmaceutical companies are increasingly choosing to outsource to experienced CDMOs like Fujifilm.
For J&J, the move signals a long‑term commitment not just to individual product lines, but to a broader manufacturing strategy built around stability, scalability and proximity to key markets.
Sources
Pharmaceutical Technology
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28 August 20253 min readJohnson & Johnson Commits $2 Billion To Fujifilm’S North Carolina Biopharma Hub
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28 August 2025
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Hyundai Doubles Down On Us With $26 Billion Expansion PlanSubscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest manufacturing news.
Hyundai Motor Group is scaling up its commitment to American manufacturing, announcing a major expansion of its planned US investment to $26 billion over the next three years. The funding increase, up from a previously disclosed $21 billion, will support a broad range of initiatives across electric vehicle production, steel supply chains, and advanced robotics.
The move is part of a strategic effort to strengthen Hyundai’s presence in the United States and deepen its role in the domestic automotive and tech industries. According to the company, the initiative will create an estimated 25,000 jobs and further integrate Hyundai’s operations into the US industrial landscape.
Hyundai’s increased capital deployment will support several high priority ventures. At the center of this plan is the construction of a new steel mill in Louisiana, aimed at localizing key components of the supply chain and reducing reliance on international steel markets. The facility will enable Hyundai to better support its US-based auto production and meet long-term sustainability targets.
Additionally, the company will expand its auto manufacturing capabilities, especially in the electric vehicle space. Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are all expected to benefit from the scale-up, with new production lines aimed at accommodating a broader portfolio of EVs.
On the technology front, the group is building a robotics innovation center that will produce up to 30,000 units annually. These robotics will not only serve internal manufacturing needs but may also be developed for external commercial applications, particularly in logistics and automation.
At the core of Hyundai’s U.S. manufacturing vision is the Georgia Metaplant, a state-of-the-art facility that combines human labor and robotics to reimagine auto production. Equipped with 750 robots and an initial workforce of 1,450 employees, the plant is structured to keep operations flexible and responsive to consumer demand.
Inside the Metaplant, robots handle tasks such as welding and painting while autonomous guided vehicles transport parts across the factory floor. Human workers are focused on intricate assembly tasks, software calibration, and quality assurance, all of which require adaptability and decision-making.
The use of automation has prompted wider industry interest in how companies balance efficiency with employment. Hyundai has stated that automation is intended to enhance productivity rather than displace human workers. In fact, the company estimates that employment at the facility could grow to 8,500 jobs once full production is underway.
Hyundai’s expanded investment forms part of a broader wave of South Korean capital flowing into the United States. In May, South Korean firms pledged nearly $150 billion toward projects in sectors including automotive, artificial intelligence, shipbuilding, and clean energy.
This latest injection of funding coincides with a broader push by the U.S. government to revitalize domestic manufacturing and reduce dependencies on foreign supply chains. Federal and state-level incentives have contributed to a favorable climate for automakers and technology firms seeking to scale operations in the country.
Hyundai’s strategy aligns closely with this policy direction. It offers an example of how private enterprise and national industrial goals can converge. Its integrated approach, encompassing raw materials, finished products, and automation, positions the company as a major player in reshaping the future of American manufacturing.
As automation technology advances, questions about job displacement have become increasingly common. Hyundai has taken a tempered view and emphasized that human labor remains essential for functions requiring decision-making, flexibility, and oversight.
At the Georgia plant, the blend of robotics and manual labor is being closely watched by policymakers, labor advocates, and competitors. It serves as a case study in how companies can modernize manufacturing without sidelining human workers.
The broader outlook suggests that Hyundai’s approach could set a precedent. If successful, it may encourage similar strategies from other global manufacturers, especially those navigating the transition to electric vehicles and AI-driven production systems.
Sources:
CBT News
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28 August 20254 min readHyundai Doubles Down On Us With $26 Billion Expansion Plan
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28 August 2025
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Boviet Solar Marks Progress On 3.0 Gw Pv Cell Factory With Exterior Work Finished In Greenville, North CarolinaBoviet Solar Technology Co. Ltd., a leading solar energy technology company specializing in monocrystalline PV cells and its premium Gamma Series™ Monofacial and Vega Series™ Bifacial PV modules, has announced the successful completion of exterior construction on its new 3.0-GW PV cell manufacturing facility in Greenville, Pitt County, North Carolina. The milestone, which includes the completion of exterior walls and roofing, marks significant progress in Boviet Solar’s U.S. manufacturing expansion and commitment to strengthening domestic solar production.
Construction of the Greenville facility began in January 2025, and the exterior build-out has now been completed on schedule. This factory represents Phase II of Boviet Solar’s North American manufacturing strategy and is designed to produce high-efficiency N-Type PV cells. Once operational, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 3.0-GW, an increase from the previously announced 2.0-GW capacity. It will complement the adjacent 2.0-GW PV module factory, which started mass production in Q1 2025.
Marco Marquez, General Manager of Boviet Solar’s Greenville factory, stated, “Completing the exterior walls and roof of our PV Cell factory is an important milestone that keeps us firmly on track toward our operational goals. With Phase I already producing U.S.-made PV modules and Phase II moving forward as planned, we are building not just factories, but long-term opportunities for the local community, our employees, and the clean energy future of the United States.”
Sienna Cen, President of Boviet Solar USA, mentioned, “The Greenville manufacturing hub is central to Boviet Solar’s U.S. growth strategy. By investing in both PV cell and module production in North Carolina, we are strengthening supply chain resilience, delivering reliable Made-in-USA solar products, and creating lasting economic impact for the region. This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams and partners, and we are excited about the progress ahead.”
The Greenville PV module factory, part of Phase I, began production in April 2025 and manufactures Gamma Series™ Monofacial and Vega Series™ Bifacial PV modules. With the addition of the new cell plant, Boviet Solar will create a fully integrated U.S. manufacturing hub, capable of producing both PV cells and modules domestically. This development is expected to strengthen the U.S. solar supply chain while delivering high-performance, Made-in-USA products to customers.
The PV cell facility is scheduled for completion and mass production in the second half of 2026. It will create more than 900 skilled local jobs and provide a reliable supply of advanced PV cells for both U.S. and international markets. With this milestone, Boviet Solar reinforces its position as a trusted long-term partner in the global solar industry, supporting domestic manufacturing growth and contributing to the clean energy transition.
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28 August 20253 min readBoviet Solar Marks Progress On 3.0 Gw Pv Cell Factory With Exterior Work Finished In Greenville, North Carolina
Solar Quarter
28 August 2025
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Boviet Solar Completes Exterior Construction Of 3.0-Gw Pv Cell Factory In North CarolinaConstruction of the facility began in January 2025, and the exterior build-out has now been finished on schedule. The new factory represents Phase II of Boviet Solar’s North American manufacturing strategy and will focus on producing high-efficiency N-Type PV cells to support the growing demand for locally manufactured solar products.
Once fully operational, the Greenville PV cell facility will deliver an annual production capacity of 3.0-GW of solar cells—more than the 2.0-GW capacity announced earlier this year—complementing Boviet Solar’s adjacent 2.0-GW PV module factory, which successfully commenced mass production in Q1 2025.
The Greenville PV module factory (Phase I) produces top-performing Gamma Series™ Monofacial and Vega Series™ Bifacial PV modules and began factory production in April 2025. Together, these two facilities will create a fully integrated U.S. manufacturing hub, capable of producing both PV cells and modules domestically, strengthening America’s solar supply chain while providing customers with top-performing, Made-in-USA solar products.
“Completing the exterior walls and roof of our PV Cell factory is an important milestone that keeps us firmly on track toward our operational goals,” said Marco Marguez, General Manager of Boviet Solar’s Greenville factory.
“With Phase I already producing U.S.-made PV modules and Phase II moving forward as planned, we are building not just factories, but long-term opportunities for the local community, our employees, and the clean energy future of the United States.”
“The Greenville manufacturing hub is central to Boviet Solar’s U.S. growth strategy,” added Sienna Cen, President of Boviet Solar USA. “By investing in both PV cell and module production in North Carolina, we are strengthening supply chain resilience, delivering reliable Made-in-USA solar products, and creating lasting economic impact for the region. This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our teams and partners, and we are excited about the progress ahead.”
The PV cell facility is expected to be completed and begin mass production in the second half of 2026, creating more than 900 skilled local jobs and providing a reliable supply of high-performance PV cells for both U.S. and global markets.
With this milestone, Boviet Solar reaffirms its role as a reliable, trusted, and long-term partner in the global solar industry, dedicated to delivering top-performing products, supporting domestic manufacturing, and driving the clean energy transition.
Renewable Energy Magazine
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28 August 20252 min readBoviet Solar Completes Exterior Construction Of 3.0-Gw Pv Cell Factory In North Carolina
Renewable Energy Magazine
28 August 2025
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Nigeria’S Dangote Group And Ethiopia To Construct $2.5 Billion Gode Fertiliser Plant, One Of The World’S LargestEthiopia has signed an agreement with Nigeria’s Dangote Group to construct $2.5 billion Gode Fertiliser Plant. This information was revealed by Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday in a post on social media platform X.
Furthermore, this mega investment is part of Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote’s efforts which seeks to end Africa’s fertiliser imports. Also, this project will be part of Dangote’s expansion into Africa and economic empowerment in the region. One of the major investments owned by Dangote in the continent include the largest oil refinery in Africa.
Location: Gode, Ethiopia
Cost: Approximately $2.5 billion
Capacity: The facility is designed to have an annual production capacity of up to 3 million metric tons of urea. This would make it one of the largest single-site urea production complexes in the world.
Product: The plant will primarily produce urea fertilizer, with potential for future expansion into other ammonia-based fertilizers such as ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate.
Timeline: Construction is targeted for completion within 40 months from the start of the project.
Partnership: A joint venture between Dangote Group (60% ownership) and Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) (40% ownership).
Objective: To reduce Ethiopia’s reliance on imported fertilizer, enhance agricultural productivity, and position the country as a regional hub for fertilizer production and export.
Importance:
Additionally, this mega fertiliser plant will be located in Gode town in Ethiopia’s Southeastern side. The plant will produce 3 million metric tons of fertiliser a year, Abiy further revealed.
The agreement that will foresee the construction of the fertiliser plant was signed by state-owned Ethiopian Investment Holdings (EIH) and Dangote Group.
Ethiopia will hold a 40% stake in the venture. On the other hand, Dangote Group will own 60%. EIH Chief Executive Brook Taye revealed this information at the signing ceremony in Addis Ababa.
Also, an EIH statement on X quoted billionaire Dangote as saying that the investment represented a “shared vision to industrialise Africa and achieve food security across the continent”.
African countries are making steps in developing local fertilizer hubs and plants in order to cut dependence on imports. Likewise, Ghana has received $5 billion investment that will foresee the establishment of a fertilizer hub at Atuabo. The development of these fertilizer projects showcase the steps African countries are making to cut foreign dependence and make fertilizer easily accessible to farmers by local production.
Construction Review
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28 August 20252 min readNigeria’S Dangote Group And Ethiopia To Construct $2.5 Billion Gode Fertiliser Plant, One Of The World’S Largest
Construction Review
28 August 2025
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Ghana To Construct $5 Billion Atuabo Fertiliser HubGhana will become a hub for fertiliser production following a $5 billion investment agreement with Qatari agricultural investors, Aljadad Group. This massive investment will enable the construction of the Atuabo Fertiliser Hub.
Additionally, a geo-technical team is expected to commence feasibility studies in October. The feasibility studies will be conducted on land secured at the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation.
Location: Atuabo Petroleum Hub, Western Region, Ghana
Cost: $5 billion
Products: The plant will produce urea and ammonia, which are essential components of modern fertilizers.
Economic impact: The project is expected to create over 2,000 direct jobs, primarily for the youth, and stimulate the growth of other related industries in Ghana’s agro-industrial sector. Also, by producing fertilizer locally, the project would reduce pressure on foreign exchange. It will make fertilizer more accessible and affordable for Ghanaian farmers.
Partnership: the project will be developed via a joint venture between Ghana’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Qatari investment firm Al Jedad Holdings. The partnership will also involve local Ghanaian agro-industrial group Granum Limited.
The project will be anchored by a gas processing plant at Atuabo, which will provide feedstock and strengthen Ghana’s industrial base.
As revealed by the investors, the initiative will generate over 2,000 direct local jobs and enhance the country’s self-sufficiency in fertiliser production.
Reverend Foster Mawuli Benson who is a local partner of Aljadad Holdings, described the project a turning point in Ghana’s agro-industrial drive.
“This project is about to commence. For the first time, Ghana will be producing fertilisers locally especially urea and ammonia at the Petroleum Hub in Atuabo. This will generate over 2,000 direct jobs, especially for the youth,” he said during a visit to the Minister of Food and Agriculture.
Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, urged the investors to fast-track construction. He highlighted the project’s role in advancing the government’s food security agenda.
“We have very many young people venturing into agriculture. With the shift toward irrigation farming for year-round production, timely delivery of this project will be crucial. It must kick off immediately,” he emphasised.
In another project that seeks to cut Africa’s dependence on foreign fertilizer imports, Dangote Group has signed an agreement with Ethiopia to develop a $2.5 billion fertilizer hub in Gode town. This mega project will make Ethiopia a major fertilizer hub in the region. Also, Ethiopia will be able to locally produce its fertilizer, thereby cutting the pressure on imports. Similarly, the development of this fertilizer hub in Ghana will cut the country’s dependence on fertilizer imports. It will also make the country a new fertilizer hub in West Africa.
Construction Review
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28 August 20253 min readGhana To Construct $5 Billion Atuabo Fertiliser Hub
Construction Review
28 August 2025
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Radiance To Build $370 Million Secure Microchip Factory In LouisianaRUSTON, La. — Radiance Technologies, an employee-owned defense contractor, this week announced a $370.65 million investment to expand its footprint in Louisiana. The company plans to build a state-of-the-art microchip packaging facility in Lincoln Parish, a move it hopes will bolster national security, fuel innovation, and drive local economic growth.
The Huntsville, Alabama-based company is expected to create 150 direct new jobs with an average salary of $85,000, 180% of the parish average, while expanding on its 14 current positions. Louisiana Economic Development (LED), the state's business development agency, estimates that the project will result in an additional 146 indirect new jobs.
The new 40,000-square-foot facility will house R&D, design and fabrication operations for microchips. Radiance has existing locations in Shreveport and Baton Rouge.
A longtime partner of Louisiana Tech, Radiance is a tenant company in the university's Enterprise Campus research park, where it leverages faculty expertise and the talent pipeline to develop solutions for defense, intelligence, and civilian customers.
LED is providing $20 million in matching dollars through a performance-based grant to the Louisiana Tech University Foundation for the purchase of equipment at the new manufacturing facility, with funding tied to project milestones. In addition, LED is awarding $17 million to Louisiana Tech to upgrade research equipment and create specialized training programs in secure chip manufacturing.
The Louisiana Tech University Foundation led the effort to expand the Radiance footprint on the campus, working closely with the City of Ruston to secure land for the manufacturing facility.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 with an anticipated completion in summer 2027.
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27 August 20252 min readRadiance To Build $370 Million Secure Microchip Factory In Louisiana
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27 August 2025
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Genentech Begins Construction On $700 Million Holly Springs Manufacturing FacilityIn a landmark move for the American biotechnology landscape, Genentech has officially broken ground on a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Holly Springs, North Carolina. This $700 million investment represents the company’s very first production site on the U.S. East Coast, a strategic expansion designed to pioneer the next generation of medicines. Consequently, this new hub will be at the forefront of tackling some of today’s most pressing health challenges, specifically developing cutting-edge treatments for obesity and complex metabolic disorders. The project is a cornerstone of a much larger vision, forming a key part of a massive $50 billion U.S. investment strategy by Genentech’s parent company, Roche, underscoring a deep commitment to fostering innovation and driving the future of biomanufacturing.
For decades, Genentech has been synonymous with the West Coast’s biotech boom, with its headquarters famously located in South San Francisco. Therefore, the decision to build in North Carolina marks a significant geographical and strategic pivot. By establishing a major presence on the East Coast, the company is not only expanding its manufacturing footprint but also tapping into the rich talent pool and thriving life sciences ecosystem of the Research Triangle region. This move is about more than just adding capacity; it’s a calculated step to enhance the company’s agility and resilience.
Ultimately, this East Coast anchor will play a crucial role in ensuring that Genentech’s breakthrough therapies can be developed, produced, and delivered to patients more efficiently than ever before. Yet another facility similar to this that was recently approved for construction is the BioMADE Biomanufacturing Facility in Maple Grove. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Further, it will serve as a national model for scaling biotechnology innovations.
The primary mission of the Holly Springs facility is both clear and critical: to produce novel therapies aimed at a global health epidemic. With rates of obesity and related metabolic conditions like diabetes continuing to rise, the need for more effective treatments has never been greater. This new site will be instrumental in manufacturing complex biologic medicines that represent a significant leap forward from traditional pharmaceuticals. By focusing on these next-generation treatments, Genentech is not just building a factory; it is creating a dedicated arsenal in the fight against chronic disease. As a result, the work done within these walls will have a direct and profound impact on the lives of millions, offering new hope and improved health outcomes.
Beyond the headline numbers, the Holly Springs project has a few fascinating details. For instance, the site, specifically chosen from over 90 potential locations, highlights the town’s appeal and readiness for such a large-scale investment. Built on a 100-acre plot in the Oakview Innovation Park will create approximately 500 to 600 permanent, high-paying jobs. This will be a major economic boost for the local community. Furthermore, one of the key drug candidates expected to be produced here is CT-388, a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist that has shown remarkable results in clinical trials. This includes significant weight loss and improvements in blood sugar levels for patients with type 2 diabetes. This positions the facility at the absolute cutting edge of metabolic medicine.
Project Overview
Investment: $700 million project, Genentech’s first East Coast manufacturing site
Scale: A 700,000-square-foot facility on a 100-acre lot
Focus: Produces next-generation metabolic and obesity treatments
Jobs during Construction: Over 1,500 construction jobs during development
Jobs during Manufacturing: More than 400 high-wage manufacturing roles once operational
Groundbreaking Date: Officially broke ground on August 25, 2025
Strategic Tier: Located in Holly Springs, growing biotech hub near Raleigh-Durham
Incentives: NC granted a Job Development Investment Grant (JDIG) and local incentives
Operational Target: Full operations expected by 2029–2030
Construction Review
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27 August 20254 min readGenentech Begins Construction On $700 Million Holly Springs Manufacturing Facility
Construction Review
27 August 2025
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Rtx’S Pratt & Whitney Awarded $2.8 Billion F135 Engine Production ContractEAST HARTFORD, Conn. – Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has been awarded a $2.8 billion undefinitized contract action (UCA) for production of Lot 18 of F135 engines, which power all three variants of the F-35 Lightning II 5th generation fighter aircraft.
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The contract funds production of conventional take-off and landing (CTOL), carrier variant (CV), and short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) F135 engines for the U.S. and international customers, and includes spare engines, spare modules, program management, tooling, engineering and production support.
Christopher K. Johnson, Pratt & Whitney’s vice president for the F135 program, said, “The combat-proven F135 engine delivers the power, safety, reliability, and low-observability to ensure operators can accomplish their most critical missions. The F135 is ultimately an investment in mission assurance, providing the warfighters of today and tomorrow the technological edge to fight and win. This contract will enable our team to continue providing this critical capability to help the U.S. and its allies maintain air superiority for decades to come.”
The F135 program sustains more than 67,000 domestic jobs, 240 U.S. suppliers and contributed more than $9.1 billion to the U.S. economy in 2024.
To date, Pratt & Whitney has delivered more than 1,300 F135 production engines to a global enterprise that includes 20 allied nations.
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26 August 20252 min readRtx’S Pratt & Whitney Awarded $2.8 Billion F135 Engine Production Contract
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26 August 2025
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Keurig Dr Pepper To Buy Peet'S Coffee Owner In $18 Billion DealNEW YORK (AP) — Keurig Dr Pepper said Monday it will buy Peet's Coffee owner JDE Peet's in a deal worth about $18 billion (15.7 billion euro).
When the acquisition is complete, the company plans to split into two separate companies, one focused on coffee and the other focused on beverages including Dr Pepper, Canada Dry, 7Up and energy drinks.
The coffee business will have about $16 billion in combined sales and the beverage business about $11 billion.
“Through the complementary combination of Keurig and JDE Peet’s, we are seizing an exceptional opportunity to create a global coffee giant," said Tim Cofer, Keurig Dr Pepper's CEO.
In addition to Peet's, Amsterdam-based JDE Peet's brands include L’OR, Jacobs, Douwe Egberts, Kenco, Pilao, OldTown, Super and Moccona.
Once the two companies are separated, Cofer will become CEO of the beverage business, which will be based in Frisco, Texas, and Keurig Dr Pepper CFO Sudhanshu Priyadarshi will lead the coffee business, which will be located in Burlington, Mass., with its international headquarters in Amsterdam.
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25 August 20251 min readKeurig Dr Pepper To Buy Peet'S Coffee Owner In $18 Billion Deal
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25 August 2025
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$150 Million Investment By Welspun Tubular Boosts Us Energy InfrastructureSubscribe to our free newsletter today to keep up to date with the latest manufacturing news.
Welspun Tubular, a subsidiary of India-based Welspun Corp Ltd, is investing $150 million into its manufacturing operations in Little Rock, Arkansas. The expansion reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the U.S. market and is set to create 300 new jobs, significantly enhancing the region’s role in the nation’s energy infrastructure.
The investment will add a new Longitudinally Submerged Arc Welded (LSAW) line-pipe mill and an advanced coating facility to the company’s existing complex. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
Once completed, the expanded facility will become the only mill in the United States capable of manufacturing line pipes ranging in diameter from 6 to 56 inches. This broad capacity range enables Welspun to meet a wider array of project specifications across oil and gas, hydrogen transport, carbon capture pipelines, and LNG export infrastructure.
The LSAW mill will complement the company’s existing High Frequency Induction Welded (HFIW) pipe operations, allowing it to offer both seamless and welded steel pipes under one roof. It also enhances its logistical capabilities by leveraging Arkansas’s central location and multimodal transport access.
According to company executives, the coating facility will be equipped to handle both internal and external anti-corrosion coatings, supporting clients with faster delivery and tailored finishes. These upgrades will position the facility to compete not only nationally but also for projects tied to U.S. federal infrastructure funding, where domestic sourcing has become increasingly emphasized.
This $150 million expansion follows a separate $100 million investment announced in 2024 that expanded HFIW capacity and created 175 new jobs in the region. Combined, the two initiatives bring Welspun’s total investment in Arkansas to more than $400 million since the facility opened in 2007.
The company’s long-standing presence in the state has been pivotal in establishing Little Rock as a manufacturing hub. Local and state officials, including Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, have highlighted Welspun’s commitment as an example of successful industrial partnerships that benefit both the economy and workforce.
Backed by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, the latest expansion is supported through job creation incentives and infrastructure assistance. These efforts aim to keep Arkansas competitive in attracting advanced manufacturing amid a nationwide push to localize supply chains.
Welspun’s expanded capabilities arrive at a critical time for U.S. infrastructure planning. Federal programs such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act are fueling demand for domestically sourced materials and energy-ready pipe systems.
By increasing its domestic pipe manufacturing footprint, Welspun is contributing to reduced reliance on imports, helping to secure the supply of vital infrastructure components. The LSAW mill’s flexibility will also make it easier for project developers to procure pipe without long lead times or overseas shipping risks.
The company’s Arkansas operations are also set up to support emerging energy systems, including hydrogen distribution and carbon capture, aligning with broader climate and energy transition goals.
Sources:
Yahoo Finance
Manufacturing Today
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22 August 20253 min read$150 Million Investment By Welspun Tubular Boosts Us Energy Infrastructure
Manufacturing Today
22 August 2025
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Ecolab To Acquire Ultra-Pure Water Business For $1.8B To Support Chips ProductionThe average chip manufacturing facility relies on up to 10 million gallons of ultra-pure water for production each day, according to the World Economic Forum, mostly for cleansing wafers. To reduce water usage, semiconductor companies are looking to circular systems as a viable solution.
Ultra-pure water, used for rinsing residue from chips during fabrication, is processed to the point in which all minerals, bacteria and impurities are removed. It is thousands of times cleaner than drinking water and used to increase chip yields, according to the World Economic Forum. Chipmakers also use the water for cooling systems and generating electricity.
“A single microelectronics fab can consume the drinking water needs of 17 million people per year,” Ecolab CEO Christophe Beck said in a statement.
Ovivo’s ultra-pure technologies treat wastewater so manufacturers can reclaim large volumes of purified water and reduce their overall environmental footprint. The Montreal-based company offers a range of purification equipment such as filters, pumps, reactors and glass beads, as well as digital and analytics services, according to its website. With the sale, Ovivo said it’s shifting its focus to treat public water and industrial sources as PFAS concerns grow.
“This acquisition will more than double the size of our global high-tech water growth engine, establishing Ecolab as a clear leader in these very large, high-growth markets,” Beck said.
Combined with Ovivo’s electronics unit, Beck said Ecolab expects its $800 million global high-tech business to “grow strong double-digits, with an attractive operating income margin.”
St. Paul, Minnesota-based Ecolab has 32 domestic manufacturing plants across 14 states, as well as dozens of facilities internationally, according to its 2024 annual report. It is a provider of water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions across food, healthcare, life sciences and industrial markets, but recently has been building out a global high-tech business focused on serving the semiconductor space.
Ecolab generated $15.7 billion in sales last year and employs more than 49,000 people worldwide.
Manufacturing Dive
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20 August 20252 min readEcolab To Acquire Ultra-Pure Water Business For $1.8B To Support Chips Production
Manufacturing Dive
20 August 2025
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