GSK plc said Wednesday that it will construct an additional new biologics flex factory in Upper Merion, Pa., as part of a $1.2-billion investment in advanced manufacturing facilities and AI and advanced digital technologies, to deliver new, next-generation biopharma factories and laboratories in the United States.
The new investment is part of the global biopharma company’s overall plans to invest $30 billion across the U.S. in research and development (R&D) and supply chain infrastructure over the next five years.
“We are committing to invest at least $30 billion in the United States over the next five years, further bolstering the already strong R&D and supply chain we have in the country,” GSK CEO Emma Walmsley said Sept. 17. “One point two billion dollars 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.”
Construction of the additional Upper Merion, Pa., factory is expected to start in 2026. The new facility will deliver potential best-in-class new medicines for respiratory diseases and cancer, according to GSK.
The $1.2-billion investment also includes new AI and advanced digital technology capabilities across GSK’s existing manufacturing sites in three other states: North Carolina, Maryland, and Montana.
“The $30-billion investment in the U.S. 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, with the U.S. expected to rank first globally for the number of studies, sites, and clinical trials participants conducted by GSK over the next five years,” Walmsley said.
With Wednesday’s announcement, GSK said in total it has committed new investments of approximately $2 billion in U.S. manufacturing over the last 12 months.
In October 2024, construction began on a new $800-million facility at GSK’s Marietta, Pa., doubling the size and capacity of the site.
The company said such new manufacturing investments will create hundreds of highly skilled jobs, including construction jobs.