Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich joined Maryland Governor Wes Moore in Frederick on Friday to celebrate AstraZeneca's announcement of a $2 billion investment in Maryland, a move that significantly reinforces the County’s position as a national leader in the life sciences sector. AstraZeneca is a prominent multinational leader within the industry. This investment includes the expansion of the company's footprint in Gaithersburg, strengthening its status as one of the County’s top employers and a cornerstone of the local life sciences industry.

“AstraZeneca’s significant investment and expansion in Maryland underscores our state’s global leadership in life sciences and biomanufacturing,” said Gov. Moore. “This landmark investment strengthens the U.S. medicine supply chain and accelerates the development of life-saving therapies, while creating hundreds of good-paying jobs for Marylanders. We are proud to partner with AstraZeneca to grow our economy and build new pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all.”

The overall investment includes the construction of a new state-of-the-art facility in Gaithersburg, which will focus on the development and clinical supply of innovative molecules for use in clinical trials. This strategic expansion builds upon the County's reputation as a center for innovation and advanced medicine.

“AstraZeneca’s choice to deepen its footprint in Montgomery County is a powerful testimony to the strength of our highly educated and diverse workforce, the depth of our innovation ecosystem, and the quality of life that continues to attract and retain world-class companies,” said County Executive Elrich. “AstraZeneca represents the kind of partner we value: a multinational leader that understands the importance of talent, innovation, and community. We are proud of their workforce here in the County—proud of the scientists, researchers, engineers, and professionals whose work changes patients’ lives across the world. We are grateful to Governor Moore for his leadership and partnership with AstraZeneca’s to achieve this $ 2 billion investment in our State.”

The new Gaithersburg facility is expected to bring substantial economic activity to the County:

• The project will create an additional 100 jobs.
• It will ensure the retention of 400 roles.
• It will support 1,000 construction-related jobs.

The facility is anticipated to be fully operational by 2029, thanks in part to the City of Gaithersburg's support for this expansion.

“By choosing to expand in Maryland, AstraZeneca is strengthening its presence in a hub of scientific talent, innovation, and advanced life sciences,” said Rep. April McClain Delaney on Friday. “This historic investment is fantastic news for our communities, businesses, and workers along the I-270 Technology Corridor, who are driving our state’s progress. We are proud to welcome this expansion and remain committed to supporting AstraZeneca’s scientists and staff, as their work improves and saves lives.”

“Today marks a landmark moment for Maryland and American patients," said Pascal Soriot, chief executive officer at AstraZeneca. "As the state’s largest biopharmaceutical employer, we are deepening our long-standing commitment to Maryland – supporting 2,600 jobs, catalyzing economic growth, and bringing our extensive rare disease portfolio onshore for the first time. This investment strengthens the resilience of the US medicines supply chain and accelerates access to transformative therapies for patients across America and around the world.”

AstraZeneca already maintains its North American research and development headquarters in the County. The company's expansion underscores that the County remains a crucial hub for its operations. This commitment is seen as a powerful validation of the local environment. AstraZeneca’s expanded footprint in Gaithersburg is a powerful testimony to the strength the County's highly educated and diverse workforce. It acknowledges the depth of the County's innovation ecosystem and highlights the quality of life that continues to attract and retain world-class companies.

“AstraZeneca’s $2 billion investment is a huge win for Maryland and Montgomery County, and reinforces the strength of our world-class life sciences sector,” said County Council President Kate Stewart. “Montgomery County is an innovation hub for companies advancing lifesaving medical treatments and pioneering new discoveries. AstraZeneca’s commitment will spur economic growth and will lead to a better future for the residents of our County and State, as well as people across the globe.”

AstraZeneca is valued as a multinational leader that understands the importance of talent, innovation, and community. The company's global mindset pairs naturally with the County’s own international identity and diverse talent base. It is important to note that the County has not committed funds directly to these specific projects.

“We are thrilled that AstraZeneca has once again chosen to invest in Montgomery County and in the state of Maryland,” said Elana Fine, board chair of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation. “The company’s continued investment underscores the unparalleled life sciences ecosystem we’ve built here in Montgomery County. With cutting-edge therapies being researched and developed right here, this investment further cements our unique position to support global organizations like AstraZeneca. We look forward to deepening our partnership and continuing to support their groundbreaking work.”

The expansion also reinforces the County as a leader in advanced manufacturing and technology. The new Gaithersburg facility will leverage cutting-edge AI, automation, and data analytics. This expansion builds on the existing high-tech presence in the County,  such as AstraZeneca’s new $ 300 million cell therapy facility in Rockville. At the Rockville facility, cutting-edge advanced manufacturing is already at work, with scientists re-engineering a patient’s own immune cells to fight disease.

To learn more about AstraZeneca’s plans, see its announcement about the investment.

To view photos and video from the event, visit the County’s Flickr page and YouTube channel.

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