Merck & Co. Benefits from Custom Workforce Solution​

For over 75 years, Merck & Co., Inc. has been manufacturing lifesaving drugs and vaccines in the Shenandoah Valley. It’s seven expansions in Rockingham County, have resulted in more than $1.6 billion in capital investments and 250+ new jobs. In 2019, the company announced plans to invest up to $1 billion in stages to expand its manufacturing operation and increase production of HPV vaccines. This investment represents the largest recent capital investment in the Shenandoah Valley region. ​To meet workforce demands associated with Merck’s robust growth, nearby Blue Ridge Community College and James Madison University worked with the state, locality, and company to develop a program to address the short- and long-term needs for specialized skill sets.