Merck has inaugurated its ADVANCE bioanalytical facility at its West Point, Pennsylvania campus, the company announced on October 14, 2026. The opening is a milestone in Merck’s ongoing U.S. R&D and manufacturing expansion, which also includes a major new biologics facility in Wilmington, Delaware. The projects are part of a more than $70 billion investment, excluding future business development, to grow Merck’s domestic manufacturing and research and development over the next several years.
“These milestones underscore our longstanding commitment to American manufacturing and, most importantly, our goal of providing new, innovative treatment options for people facing serious health challenges in the U.S. and around the world,” said Rob Davis, Chairman and CEO of Merck.
West Point, Pennsylvania: The Future of Clinical Development
Merck’s West Point campus, a cornerstone of its research efforts and global manufacturing supply chain, dates back to the company’s 1953 merger with Sharp & Dohme. The new ADVANCE bioanalytical facility combines advanced robotics, automation, real-time data management, modular construction, and flexible laboratory design to transform clinical assay testing and support future scientific needs.
“The ADVANCE facility represents the future of clinical development at Merck and underscores our continued commitment to addressing the needs of the patients we serve,” said Davis. “This builds on our longstanding presence in Pennsylvania where we’re proud to invest in the people, communities and scientific capabilities that will help drive the next generation of medicines.”
Wilmington, Delaware: A New Home for Next-Generation Biologics
At the Chestnut Run Innovation & Science Park (CRISP) in Wilmington, Merck is building a $1 billion, 470,000-square-foot facility with laboratory, manufacturing, and warehouse capabilities to support the launch and commercial production of next-generation biologics and therapies, including antibody-drug conjugates. Located at CRISP, the facility is expected to help grow Wilmington’s biotechnology sector.
Construction began in April 2025. The project is expected to create more than 500 full-time roles and roughly 4,000 construction jobs, with the laboratory component fully operational by 2028 and production of investigational compounds starting by 2030.
About Merck
Merck is a global biopharmaceutical company developing medicines, vaccines, and animal health products. Its U.S. operations span research, development, and manufacturing sites across multiple states, including Pennsylvania and Delaware.
