FUJIFILM Diosynth Partnership Highlights Economic Relations Between North Carolina and Japan

On April 11, 2024, Chancellor Randy Woodson joined Governor Cooper and state leaders for the FUJIFILM Diosynth expansion announcement. Building on the company’s initial 2021 commitment, the Holly Springs site is now expected to generate a total 1,400 jobs and $3.2 billion for the state economy.

NC State has been a driver in the company’s continued investments in North Carolina. Collaborating with state and local economic development officials, over the last several years the university has developed a strategic partnership to help FUJIFILM Diosynth achieve its business objectives.

“When looking at North Carolina, global companies want to make sure they can attract and retain a high-quality workforce,” Woodson said. “NC State remains committed to providing the skilled talent industry needs. We are proud of our partnership with FUJIFILM Diosynth — and we look forward to continuing to supply talent and innovation to support their growth.”

In November 2022, Chancellor Woodson and FUJIFILM Diosynth leadership cosigned a master research agreement to formalize expanded collaborations. The agreement has resulted in an increase in joint projects focused on talent and research. NC State’s Golden LEAF Biomanufacturing Training and Education Center (BTEC) has already provided advanced training to more than 200 FUJIFILM Diosynth employees. And NC State researchers are helping achieve the Holly Spring site’s goal to be carbon net-zero by 2030.

The expansion by FUJIFILM Diosynth, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based FUJIFILM Corporation, underscores the strong economic relationship between North Carolina and Japan. The announcement happened just ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Kishida’s arrival, which included a visit to NC State’s campus. As North Carolina’s largest source of international investment, Japanese companies are creating thousands of jobs across the state.

As a result of heightened market demand for domestic biomanufacturing, FUJIFILM Diosynth spent the last year evaluating several locations before choosing to expand in Holly Springs. NC State’s Office of External Affairs, Partnerships and Economic Development (EAPED) worked closely with statewide economic development partners to help secure the recruitment project.

Once fully operational next year, the Holly Springs facility will deliver medicines and vaccines to patients, and provide U.S. pharmaceutical companies with access to a high-quality, high-capacity domestic manufacturing partner.