British pharmaceutical giant GSK has unveiled a sweeping $30 billion investment plan aimed at expanding its U.S. manufacturing and research footprint over the next five years. The announcement coincided with President Donald Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom, underscoring renewed transatlantic collaboration in life sciences.
Central to the initiative is a $1.2 billion biologics manufacturing facility to be built in Upper Merion, Pennsylvania. Scheduled to begin construction in 2026, the plant will produce advanced respiratory and cancer medicines, including treatments for COPD, asthma, and various solid tumors. The facility will be powered by artificial intelligence and advanced digital technologies, representing a shift toward next-generation biopharma manufacturing.
In addition to the new site, GSK will upgrade five existing U.S. manufacturing facilities located in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Maryland, and Montana. These upgrades will include new drug substance capabilities, enhanced device and auto-injector assembly, and AI-driven operational efficiencies.
GSK CEO Emma Walmsley emphasized the strategic importance of the investment:
“This week’s State Visit brings together two countries that have led the world in science and healthcare innovation. We are proud to be part of both.”
The investment is expected to create thousands of jobs, both in construction and in high-skilled pharmaceutical roles. It will also bolster GSK’s clinical trial activity in the U.S., which is projected to become the company’s leading hub for drug development and testing.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hailed the move as a landmark investment that will “ensure critical medicines and technologies are developed and manufactured right here on U.S. soil—where they belong.”
