GSK plc announced plans to invest $30 billion across the United States in research and development and supply chain infrastructure over the next five years, marking a significant expansion of the pharmaceutical giant's American operations. The investment includes a new $1.2 billion commitment to advanced manufacturing facilities and AI technologies, designed to deliver next-generation biopharma factories and laboratories.
New Biologics Manufacturing Facility
Central to GSK's expansion is the construction of an additional biologics flex factory at Upper Merion, Pennsylvania, specifically designed to produce potential best-in-class medicines for respiratory diseases including COPD and asthma, as well as cancer treatments targeting hematological, gynecological, lung, and other solid tumors. Construction is planned to commence in 2026.
The $1.2 billion investment encompasses several key components:
- Construction of the new biologics flex factory
- Implementation of AI and advanced digital technology capabilities across GSK's existing five manufacturing sites in four states (Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, and Montana)
- Development of new drug substance manufacturing capabilities
- Enhancement of device and auto-injector capabilities and assembly
Strategic Investment in U.S. Operations
GSK CEO Emma Walmsley emphasized the strategic importance of the investment, stating: "Today, we are committing to invest at least $30 billion in the United States over the next 5 years, further bolstering the already strong R&D and supply chain we have in the country. $1.2 billion of today's announcement includes construction of an additional next-gen biologics 'flex' factory, powered by AI, advanced technologies and expert talent to produce transformational new respiratory and cancer medicines for American patients."
The $30 billion commitment includes capital investments across GSK's U.S. supply chain, as well as increased investment in R&D drug discovery and development and clinical trial activity. The United States is expected to rank first globally for the number of studies, sites, and clinical trial participants conducted by GSK over the next five years.
Manufacturing Expansion and Job Creation
This announcement represents GSK's second major U.S. manufacturing investment within 12 months, bringing total new commitments to approximately $2 billion. In October 2024, construction began on a new $800 million facility at GSK's Marietta, Pennsylvania site, doubling the size and capacity of that location.
The new manufacturing investments will create hundreds of highly skilled jobs in addition to construction positions, building upon GSK's approximately 15,000-strong U.S. workforce. The investment is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and secure the U.S. as a leader in critical medicine development.
Global Supply Chain Impact
GSK's global supply chain network delivered 1.7 billion packs of medicines and over 400 million vaccine doses last year, contributing toward the company's goal of positively impacting the health of 2.5 billion people by the end of 2030. The U.S. investments will strengthen this global network while focusing on developing and manufacturing products in the United States for American patients.
