Octapharma Selects York County for its First U.S. Manufacturing Site

$1.5 billion investment will bring over 1,500 jobs to South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today announced the completion of final approvals for Octapharma’s first U.S. manufacturing and production facility in York County. The $1.5 billion investment is projected to bring more than 1,500 jobs to Rock Hill, and marks a significant milestone as the biopharmaceutical manufacturer moves forward with establishing operations in South Carolina, further strengthening the state’s rapidly growing life sciences industry.

Headquartered in Lachen, Switzerland, Octapharma has more than 40 manufacturing and office sites worldwide, with production facilities in Austria, France, Germany and Sweden. The company, which was founded in 1983, develops and produces medicines based on proteins derived from human cell lines and human plasma.

This new facility will be located in Rock Hill’s Palmetto Research Park and include an administrative campus for Octapharma’s plasma donation operations. 

Operations are expected to commence in the mid-2030s. Individuals interested in joining the Octapharma team can visit the company’s careers page to learn more.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $65,000,000 Closing Fund grant to York County to assist with the costs of site preparation, building construction and road improvements.

Quotes

“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, and we’re grateful to Governor McMaster, the Department of Commerce, York County and the city of Rock Hill for welcoming us to the Palmetto State. This is just the beginning of a long partnership with Rock Hill and York County, one that will strengthen America’s domestic supply of life-saving, plasma-based therapies for patients, hospitals and those who serve our country.”
-Octapharma USA President Flemming Nielsen

“By establishing Octapharma’s manufacturing operations in York County, as well as a corporate campus for Octapharma Plasma, Inc., the company will bring more than 1,500 new jobs to our state, creating opportunities for South Carolinians and advancing innovation in our life sciences industry. We are proud to celebrate this partnership with a global leader in biopharmaceutical manufacturing that will further strengthen our state’s position as a destination for companies looking to invest and succeed.”
-Gov. Henry McMaster

“As Octapharma’s historic $1.5 billion investment in York County officially moves forward, South Carolina is proud to support its expanding U.S. presence. This landmark project underscores why global companies choose the Palmetto State to manufacture, innovate and establish corporate operations — further advancing our burgeoning life sciences industry.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Octapharma’s decision to establish its new corporate offices and advanced manufacturing operations in York County is an investment in our community’s future. This transformational project will bring more than 1,500 high-quality jobs, strengthen South Carolina’s growing life sciences industry and generate lasting economic opportunities for our residents. We are proud to welcome Octapharma and look forward to the company’s long-term success in York County.” 
-York County Council Chairwoman Christi Cox

“Working with the S.C. Department of Commerce, SCbio and the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, we pursued a development strategy designed to deliver lasting value for our residents, businesses, educational institutions and public-sector partners. Octapharma is exactly that kind of investment, creating high-quality jobs across all education levels for generations to come. We are honored to welcome Octapharma to Rock Hill.” 
-City of Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys

Join now to enjoy expanded member benefits!

Enjoy exclusive member content, special events, savings, networking and more

Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.