Core Insights - Merck & Co (MSD) has initiated the construction of a $3 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing Centre of Excellence in Virginia, USA, amidst potential tariff threats from the Trump administration [1][5] - The facility is expected to create 8,000 jobs during construction and 500 full-time positions once operational, as part of MSD's broader $70 billion investment plan in US R&D and manufacturing [2] - MSD is also planning to build a $1 billion biologics center in Delaware and a $1 billion vaccine production facility in North Carolina, while investing over $3.5 billion to enhance its headquarters in New Jersey [3] Investment and Expansion Plans - The $3 billion investment in Virginia is part of MSD's strategy to expand its manufacturing footprint in the US, which includes significant investments in various states [2][3] - The company has canceled its $1 billion expansion plans in the UK due to insufficient government support for innovative medicines [4] Market Context and Industry Trends - The construction of MSD's facility is seen as a significant development for Virginia's life sciences sector, which is gaining recognition as an emerging hub for biopharmaceutical manufacturing [6][7] - Other pharmaceutical companies, such as AstraZeneca, are also investing heavily in the region, with a $4.5 billion commitment to build a manufacturing facility in Charlottesville [8]