Swiss biopharmaceutical manufacturer Octapharma has officially received final state approvals to build its first U.S. manufacturing facility and an administrative campus in York County. The massive $1.5 billion investment is projected to create more than 1,500 local jobs.
The project will be located at Palmetto Research Park in Rock Hill. Beyond its core manufacturing operations, the site will also house an administrative campus for Octapharma Plasma, Inc., the company’s plasma donation division. Facility operations are slated to begin in the mid-2030s.
Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Lachen, Switzerland, Octapharma specializes in developing medicines derived from human plasma and human cell lines. The company currently operates over 40 sites globally, with existing production hubs in Austria, France, Germany, and Sweden.
To back the expansion, the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits and awarded York County a $65 million Closing Fund grant. The funding will assist with site preparation, building construction, and surrounding infrastructure upgrades.
“South Carolina’s talented workforce and strong life sciences ecosystem made it clear this was the right home for our first U.S. manufacturing facility,” said Flemming Nielsen, President of Octapharma USA, noting that the facility will play a critical role in securing the nation’s domestic supply of plasma-based therapies.
South Carolina leaders lauded the announcement as a major win for the region:
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Gov. Henry McMaster called the expansion a milestone for the state’s expanding life sciences sector, highlighting that the 1,500 new positions will create long-term opportunities for South Carolinians while driving innovation.
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Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III emphasized that the deal reflects South Carolina’s growing appeal to major international corporate operations.
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Local Officials, including York County Council Chairwoman Christi Cox and Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys, welcomed the strategic development, noting that it will bring high-quality employment spanning multiple educational and skill levels to the community.
Prospective job seekers interested in future career opportunities can find more information on Octapharma’s online career portal.
