Leaders say Amgen's $900 million expansion proves Ohio is still a hub for growth

NEW ALBANY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Biotechnology company Amgen announced a $900 million manufacturing expansion in Ohio on Friday, bringing 350 new jobs to central Ohio.

Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel joined Amgen leaders and Congressman Troy Balderson for the announcement on Friday, celebrating the several hundred new jobs onsite in New Albany. Amgen, which develops medicine to treat significant diseases, said the project is already underway and is expected to be completed in 2027.

The announcement is an expansion of Amgen's existing manufacturing plant in New Albany, which was announced in 2021 and opened in February 2024. The announcement brings Amgen's total investment into central Ohio to more than $1.4 billion with 750 jobs created.

Amgen was founded 45 years ago and is internationally recognized for developing and manufacturing medicine. The company is based in Thousand Oaks, California, and has invested almost $5 billion in the U.S. since 2017, with Ohio making up 28% of its American investments.

"Ohio has built a strong foundation for economic development, which has led companies like Amgen to see Ohio as a premier destination for growth," Gov. Mike DeWine said. "We are happy to see Amgen deepen its commitment to our state and look forward to the innovation and economic impact it will drive."

The announcement comes amid uncertainty in Licking County developments, with Intel's megaproject delayed into 2031 and Microsoft pulling out of planned data center projects. Tressel said this expansion proves there are still plenty of opportunities in Ohio.

“Now we have to show that we appreciate it and get ready and make sure we execute so that more companies will want to come and be a part of this successful environment," Tressel said.

Many technology companies have cited economic concerns as reasons for delaying or halting their Ohio ventures. These concerns include fluctuating tariff costs and fears of a possible recession. The timing of Amgen's investment is a good sign that Amgen intends to stay on track with its expansion, as it is not immune to these concerns.

Amgen and other medicinal companies are likely bracing for tariff impacts, as pharmaceutical tariffs are expected by mid-May, according to reporting by The Hill. A new report commissioned by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, of which Amgen is a member, found a 25% tariff on pharmaceutical imports would increase drug costs by almost $51 billion each year.