Drugmakers coordinate with governments and universities to address labor shortages as onshoring drives billions in new facility spending.
US pharmaceutical companies are partnering through trade groups to expand workforce pipelines, addressing labor shortages amid rising domestic manufacturing demand. The collaboration follows billions in new facility investments, including $2bn commitments from J&J and Roche in North Carolina in 2025 and 2026.
The push follows tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, which spurred onshoring efforts. North Carolina’s biopharma sector has seen rapid growth, with workforce development now a priority for industry leaders. Trade associations are coordinating with local governments and higher education to align skills with production needs.
North Carolina’s Biotech Manufacturers Forum, part of NCLifeSci, has historically avoided talent poaching, instead fostering joint initiatives to support sector-wide hiring and training programs.