GlaxoSmithKline said Wednesday it plans to invest $30 billion in the United States over the next five years for research and development and supply chain infrastructure. This move comes as President Trump arrives in Britain for an unprecedented second state visit to finalize investment deals.
GlaxoSmithKline stated that its new facilities will "build a bridge between R&D and manufacturing in the US and UK, strengthening both countries' leadership positions in life sciences."
The company said the investment includes $1.2 billion to construct a new plant in Upper Merion, Pennsylvania, to produce new drugs for treating respiratory diseases and cancer, with construction planned to begin in 2026.
The company will also invest in artificial intelligence and advanced digital technology capabilities at its five existing production facilities in the US, as well as new active pharmaceutical ingredient production capacity, and improved equipment and auto-injector assembly.
GlaxoSmithKline is the latest pharmaceutical company to expand its US operations amid Trump's threats to impose import tariffs on the industry and his push to boost American manufacturing.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said: "This landmark investment will create tens of thousands of jobs for Americans and ensure that critical medicines and technologies are developed and manufactured right here on American soil."
The $30 billion investment will help strengthen research and development and clinical trial activities. GlaxoSmithKline said it expects the United States to become the company's top-ranked country in terms of research, locations, and number of clinical trial participants over the next five years.
However, the company did not comment on whether the $30 billion includes funds already designated for US operations. According to pharmaceutical industry sources, some companies announcing major US investments during Trump's term have included projects or locations already in preparation to present a large overall figure.
GlaxoSmithKline said it has invested approximately $2 billion in US manufacturing over the past year. In addition to construction jobs, these investments will add hundreds of technical positions and continue to grow beyond its approximately 15,000 US employees.
Last year, the US market contributed nearly half of GlaxoSmithKline's revenue.