Samsung Biologics opens facility in Montgomery County

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Samsung Biologics, a global biotechnology company specializing in the development, manufacturing and commercialization of biologic drugs, celebrated the opening of its first United States manufacturing facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Rockville on Tuesday. 

Gov. Wes Moore joined company leaders and Montgomery County elected officials for the ceremony. The manufacturing campus, acquired for $353 million, is expected to retain more than 500 local jobs while bringing 60,000 liters of drug substance capacity to the company’s operations, according to the governor’s office.

The Rockville facility at 9911 Belward Campus Drive comprises two manufacturing plants supporting clinical and commercial biologics production as the company plans to pursue capacity expansion in the coming months.

“During our international trade mission last year, we met with the Samsung Biologics team in Seoul to discuss the economic momentum in Maryland. Today’s ribbon cutting is the realization of that meeting and our state’s momentum,” Moore said. 

“South Korea‘s largest biotech company is opening its first U.S. manufacturing facility here in Maryland. In the state of Maryland, we are delivering for our people and not playing for second.”

The state’s robust biopharmaceutical sector, along with its proximity to world-class universities and federal facilities, were determining factors in the decision to locate the facility in Rockville, according to the governor’s office. The new facility marks the beginning of Samsung Biologics’ long-term expansion efforts in the U.S. market.

“This represents a meaningful step in expanding our U.S. manufacturing footprint,” Samsung Biologics President and CEO John Rim said in a statement, pointing out the company’s global role as a contract development and manufacturing organization. 

“The Rockville team brings deep expertise and strong operational experience that will further strengthen the site as part of our global manufacturing network.”

Samsung Biologics joins AstraZeneca and National Institutes of Health as life sciences companies and organizations with a presence in Montgomery County.