Afton Scientific is investing more than $200 million to expand its biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Albemarle County.
The project will create hundreds of new jobs. Virginia successfully competed with several states for the project.
“This announcement represents an exciting advancement in providing critical, life-saving therapies to more Americans, and Afton Scientific is thrilled about our expansion in Central Virginia, where we’ve grown the company since day one,” said Thomas Thorpe, CEO of Afton Scientific, whose work supports critical, life-saving therapies and chronic disease treatments by performing aseptic fill-finish for products ranging from pre-clinical to commercial-scale manufacturing across various therapeutic areas.
The company received a majority investment from Arlington Capital Partners, a private equity firm specializing in government regulated industries, in January.
The company’s expansion in Albemarle County will enable Afton Scientific to implement newer manufacturing technologies, treat new diseases, and serve more people who rely on these therapies, strengthening Virginia’s position in the growing biopharmaceutical industry.
“Afton Scientific’s multimillion-dollar expansion in Albemarle County is a powerful testament to Virginia’s thriving life sciences industry,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin said. “This investment not only creates over 200 new jobs but also strengthens our healthcare innovation sector – particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It is companies like Afton Scientific that showcase why Virginia was just named America’s Top State for Business in 2024.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Albemarle County and the Central Virginia Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Gov. Youngkin approved a grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Albemarle County with the project.
“Our county continues to grow as a recognized hub for innovation, particularly in the emerging biotech sector,” said Jim Andrews, chairman of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors. “This project strengthens the industry locally by bringing in significant outside capital investment to expand a home-grown company. By working with state partners, we’re focused on expanding access to these jobs locally, creating more opportunities for technical career pathways. This aligns with our strategic focus on sustainable economic development and improving our community’s quality of life. Together, we are driving long-term prosperity for our region.”
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Chris Graham
