Samsung Biologics acquires GSK manufacturing facility in Rockville

Some rare good news out of Annapolis about the rare bright spot in the moribund Montgomery County economy: biotech. Samsung Biologics has just acquired the GlaxoSmithKline manufacturing facility in Rockville, Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced yesterday. GSK had announced earlier this year that it would be moving its vaccine research and development operations from that Rockville facility to Massachusetts. Samsung's acquisition will keep more than 500 existing jobs at the site, and add an unspecified number of additional jobs as Samsung adds potential production lines for other local biotech firms in the future.

Moore was hands-on in recruiting the South Korean firm. He personally met with Samsung Biologics executives earlier this year during an international trade and investment mission to Japan and South Korea to promote economic growth and workforce development. 

“We are thrilled that Samsung Biologics has selected Maryland for their first U.S. manufacturing facility, a testament to our state’s leadership in life sciences, our highly-skilled workforce and the commitment of our private and public sector to advance patient health around the globe,” Moore said in a statement Monday. “During our Asia trade mission, we were excited to share with Samsung Biologics executives the many reasons why Maryland is an ideal foothold from which the company can execute its long-term strategy to expand in the U.S. market.”

Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, who has targeted life sciences in his efforts to attract high-wage jobs to the County, joined Moore in celebrating the win yesterday. “The acquisition of GSK’s Rockville manufacturing campus by Samsung Biologics represents a significant achievement for Montgomery County,” Elrich said in the statement released by Moore's office. “This $280 million investment brings the world's largest contract drug manufacturer to Montgomery County, ensuring U.S.-based manufacturing continues, safeguarding over 500 current jobs, and setting the stage for further growth as Samsung boosts production capacity. It serves as a robust endorsement of the ecosystem we have cultivated, which is founded on talent, diversity, and enduring partnerships. We proudly welcome Samsung Biologics to Montgomery County, Maryland, and anticipate their contribution in enhancing our economy, workforce, and status as a global life sciences hub.”

School of Rock opening new Rockville location

School of Rock, which offers music lessons and live performance opportunities for adults and children, is opening a new Rockville location early next year. It will be located at 1081 Rockville Pike at the Talbott Center, on Level 2. They are currently enrolling an inaugural class of students. But if you think you see Jack Black near the facility, it's more likely going to be an actual homeless guy.

Hobby Lobby begins hiring for Gaithersburg store

Hobby Lobby's first Montgomery County store is currently under construction at 15750 Shady Grove Road at the 270 Center. Now the big box crafts retailer has begun hiring employees for this location. An ad posted on X seeks a Retail Co-Manager for the store, which sits on the border of Gaithersburg and Rockville. "Join our team and let your creativity flourish in Gaithersburg, MD," the Christmas-sweater-themed post says. "Are you ready for the opportunity to thrive as a manager?"

Mango Mango House of Desserts opening in Rockville

Mango Mango House of Desserts is coming soon to Rockville. It will be located at 1617 Rockville Pike at Congressional Plaza. Founded in New York's Chinatown in 2013, the Asian dessert chain has expanded into twelve states. As you might surmise, mango is their signature flavor. But you'll also find a wide variety of cakes, sundaes, snowclouds, and milk and fruit teas.

Police respond to assault in Rockville parking lot

Rockville City police responded to a report of a 2nd-degree assault in a parking lot on Christmas night. The assault was reported in a commercial parking lot in the 1000 block of Rockville Pike at 7:48 PM last Thursday night. An individual was also accused of several other offenses in the same incident, including obstruction of a police investigation.

See's Candies closes at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Lucky gift recipients have barely opened their See's Candies boxes, and the candymaker has already departed Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. They seem to close their seasonal holiday store earlier each year, and it doesn't get much earlier than Boxing Day. The curtain has fallen at See's Candies - literally, as you can see below - but the beloved California candy brand will almost certainly be back for the 2026 holiday season.

Maman Joon Real Persian Kabob opens at Montgomery Mall in Bethesda

Maman Joon Real Persian Kabob has opened at Westfield Montgomery Mall in Bethesda. It is located right by the parking deck entrance on Level 2 of the mall, the same garage level that California Pizza Kitchen fronts onto. That spot has seen some turnover since Tara Thai departed, so keep your skewers crossed that Maman Joon can make it work.

"We take pride in creating authentic Persian food that reflects our heritage," Maman Joon says on its website. "Our ingredients are always fresh, most of our spices come from Iran, and our menu is lovingly prepared using our treasured family recipes."