GSK plc, a London-headquartered multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, is investing up to $800 million in Pennsylvania to increase its R&D and manufacturing footprint at its existing facility in Lancaster County, Pa.
“Pennsylvania is a leader in life sciences and GSK’s decision to make its largest single investment ever in manufacturing in the United States right here in the commonwealth is further proof that we are the best state in the nation for business growth and economic development,” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said on Oct. 24.
The state is supporting GSK’s expansion with a $21 million investment, which will create at least 200 new high-paying jobs, Shapiro said.
“Our commonwealth offers the skilled workforce, market access, and innovation infrastructure that biotech and life sciences companies need to thrive,” the governor said.
GSK plans to expand its existing facility at 325 North Bridge Street in Marietta, Pa., with new facilities where vaccines and medicines will be manufactured. Currently, one in four Americans are administered a vaccine supplied from this location, which will be doubled in size and capacity.
The state’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) supported GSK’s expansion with a comprehensive funding proposal that includes an $18 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant, a $2.35 million Pennsylvania First grant, and a $645,000 WEDnet grant to train employees.
GSK said it also will apply for the DCED’s Qualified Manufacturing Innovation and Reinvestment Deduction and Manufacturing Tax Credit programs.
“This landmark investment will establish Marietta as an innovation and manufacturing hub capable of delivering next-generation medicines and vaccines to people around the world,” said Regis Simard, GSK’s Global Supply Chain president. “We’re grateful for the support of local and state officials, who made this project possible, and we are excited to expand upon the important work already underway at the Marietta site.”
In addition to the expansion, GSK will retain at least 4,622 jobs statewide and keep its U.S. headquarters in Philadelphia, the company said.
“Today, we celebrate GSK’s decision to expand here in Pennsylvania — an expansion that represents one of the largest life science investments in the history of our commonwealth,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “Life sciences is one of the key industries we’re focusing on in the governor’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy.”
Pennsylvania is home to nearly 3,100 life sciences firms, Siger said, and under Shapiro’s leadership, the state “will continue to make bold investments like this one to further boost the industry and create more opportunities for Pennsylvanians.”
Launched by Shapiro and Siger earlier this year, the strategy aims to capitalize on the state’s strengths in agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and robotics and technology to drive economic growth and create jobs statewide.
“Pennsylvania is getting things done,” said Shapiro, “and my administration will continue to work with companies like GSK to drive innovation forward and create jobs — and economic opportunity — for people across the commonwealth.”