This significant expansion aims to enhance the production of injectable treatments for obesity and chronic diseases. The new facility, spanning 1.4 million square feet, will double the footprint of Novo Nordisk’s existing facilities in North Carolina, creating 1,000 new jobs in addition to the nearly 2,500 employees already in the region.
Commitment to meeting global health needs
Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, president and CEO of Novo Nordisk, emphasized the company's dedication to expanding its global production capabilities, stating, “It took us a century to reach 40 million patients, but through this expansion and continued investment in our global production, we’re building Novo Nordisk’s ability to serve millions more people living with serious chronic diseases in the future.”
The state-of-the-art facility will feature rooftop solar panels and innovative water strategies, aiming for LEED Gold certification. Henrik Wulff, executive vice president of product supply, quality, and IT at Novo Nordisk, highlighted the importance of this investment, saying, “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.”
Construction timelines and community impact
Early work on the 56-acre site has already begun, with construction expected to conclude between 2027 and 2029. The project will engage around 2,000 external contractors at its peak, underscoring Novo Nordisk’s strategic commitment to meeting the growing demand for its innovative treatments.
Butch Lawter, chair of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, expressed his keenness, stating: “It’s a historic day for Johnston County… Today, they’re breaking that record again… with a third facility, 1,000 new jobs and a vote of confidence in the partnerships we have forged in the community over the decades.”
In 2024, Novo Nordisk will increase its total production investment to $6.8 billion, up from $3.9 billion last year, highlighting the company’s proactive approach to scaling its operations.
Global manufacturing network and commitment to quality
Novo Nordisk’s global manufacturing network includes strategic production sites in Denmark, the US, France, Brazil, and China, producing nearly half of the world’s insulin supply. The new Clayton facility marks a significant step forward in Novo Nordisk’s mission to improve the lives of those with chronic diseases, ensuring high standards of quality and efficiency in a sustainable manner.
