Amgen Unveils $650 Million Expansion in Puerto Rico, Bolstering U.S. Manufacturing Presence

Amgen, a leading biotechnology company, has announced a significant $650 million investment to expand its manufacturing campus in Juncos, Puerto Rico. This move comes as part of a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry to strengthen domestic production capabilities and respond to potential regulatory changes.

Expansion Details and Job Creation

The expansion project, revealed on September 26, 2025, aims to increase drug production at Amgen's biologics site in Juncos. The investment is expected to create hundreds of new jobs, further solidifying the company's presence on the island where it has operated for over three decades.

Amgen's Juncos facility has grown substantially since its establishment in 1993. What began as a single building with approximately 30 employees has evolved into a sprawling complex of more than 20 buildings, employing thousands of workers. By 2005, the site already boasted 1 million square feet of space, following an $800 million investment in 2003 for new plants, quality labs, and packaging infrastructure.

Industry-wide U.S. Manufacturing Push

Amgen's latest investment aligns with a broader industry trend of expanding pharmaceutical manufacturing in the United States. This shift has been partly driven by the Trump administration's efforts to encourage onshoring of drug production. President Donald Trump recently announced that starting October 1, branded drugmakers without U.S. manufacturing facilities could face a 100% tariff on imported medicines.

In response to these pressures and opportunities, numerous pharmaceutical companies have pledged substantial investments in U.S. operations. Amgen alone has committed to several major projects, including:

• A $600 million investment in a new R&D center in Thousand Oaks, California
• A $900 million expansion in Ohio
• A $1 billion project in North Carolina

Other industry leaders such as AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, and Novartis have also announced significant U.S. investments, with the total industry commitment reaching hundreds of billions of dollars.

Implications for Puerto Rico and the Pharmaceutical Sector

The substantial investment in Puerto Rico underscores the continued importance of the island in the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape. Despite challenges faced by Puerto Rico in recent years, including natural disasters and economic difficulties, this expansion demonstrates confidence in the region's capabilities and workforce.

For the broader pharmaceutical industry, Amgen's move reflects the ongoing recalibration of global supply chains. As companies seek to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on foreign manufacturing, particularly in light of recent global events and political pressures, investments in U.S.-based production are likely to continue.