CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Afton Scientific, a manufacturer of sterile injectable pharmaceuticals, will expand its biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Albemarle County, investing over $200 million and creating more than 200 new jobs. Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the expansion, highlighting Virginia’s thriving life sciences industry and its recognition as America’s Top State for Business in 2024.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Albemarle County and the Central Virginia Partnership for Economic Development to secure the project. The Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund will assist with the expansion, while the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program will support workforce training and job creation.

Afton Scientific CEO Thomas Thorpe expressed excitement over the company’s growth, emphasizing the critical role of state and local support in enabling the expansion. Albemarle County officials and local leaders, including Senator Creigh Deeds and Delegate Katrina Callsen, praised the project’s impact on job creation and healthcare innovation in the region.

The expanded facility will enhance Afton’s ability to support life-saving therapies and strengthen Central Virginia’s position in the biopharmaceutical industry.