AstraZeneca PLC (LSE: AZN) (STO: AZN) (Nasdaq: AZN) declared on Monday that it will invest USD2bn to expand its manufacturing footprint in Maryland, adding capacity at its Frederick biologics plant and building a new clinical manufacturing facility in Gaithersburg. The programme supports 2,600 jobs across both locations through retained roles, construction activity and the creation of 300 skilled positions.

Expansion of the Frederick site will nearly double commercial manufacturing capacity for cancer, autoimmune, respiratory and rare disease medicines. It will introduce production for the company's rare disease portfolio for the first time, creating 200 skilled jobs and 900 construction roles, with operations targeted for 2029.

A new Gaithersburg facility will enhance development and clinical supply capabilities for innovative molecules used in trials. Fully operational by 2029, the site will add 100 jobs, retain 400 roles and support 1,000 construction jobs. Both facilities will incorporate advanced AI, automation and data analytics and will be built to high environmental standards.

The investment forms part of AstraZeneca's USD50bn manufacturing and R&D commitment announced in July, following recent US expansions in Maryland, Virginia and Texas. AstraZeneca's US network spans 19 R&D, manufacturing and commercial sites, employs more than 25,000 people and supported around USD20bn of economic value in 2025.