Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
10/15/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/15/2026 09:33
ICYMI: Governor Shapiro Secures Billions in Private Sector Investments from Life Sciences Companies, Spearheads Largest PhilaPort Expansion in History
"In just three years, we've worked with the private sector to create nearly 29,000 jobs and secure over $43 billion in private sector investment. That's more than the previous 15 years, combined." - Governor Shapiro
"This is a job multiplier that will go on for the better part of a decade…" - Leo Holt, President, Holt Logistics
"The combination of public and private investment being directed to South Philly is a promising sign for economic development across our region and demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in our industrial future and our workforce." - Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon
Harrisburg, PA - In the last week, Governor Josh Shapiro secured three major economic development wins that strengthen Pennsylvania's life sciences industry, spur the Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort)'s largest expansion in history, and create more than 6,300 good-paying jobs for hard-working Pennsylvanians.
In Montgomery County, the Governor secured a $2.9 billion investment from Merck to expand the manufacturing of lifesaving products and medicine discovery by the end of 2030, in addition to a $800 million investment from GSK to establish a biopharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing hub in Upper Merion Township.
The Governor also announced the Commonwealth is investing $371.5 million in PhilaPort, unlocking an additional $466 million investment from the private sector and federal government to expand container capacity by 122 percent and auto capacity by 18 percent across the port's facilities - supporting the port's largest expansion in history.
These announcements build on the Shapiro Administration's progress to grow Pennsylvania's economy. Since 2023, the Governor has secured more than $43 billion in private sector investments, creating nearly 29,000 good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth - more than the previous 15 years, combined. As businesses continue to choose the Commonwealth, the Governor remains committed to ensuring Pennsylvania remains a national leader on economic development.
What people are reading and watching about Governor Shapiro's latest economic development wins:
Reuters: Pennsylvania says GSK to invest more than $800 million in biopharma hub, create 300 jobs
CNBC: Merck CEO tells CNBC he expects breakthrough cancer vaccine will become faster to make
ABC 27: Pharmaceutical company commits to $2.9B investment at Pennsylvania plant
The Sentinel: Governor Shapiro secures $2.9 billion Merck investment in Montgomery County
Penn Live: PhilaPort expansion 2026: What the historic investment means for Pennsylvania
The Center Square: Shapiro announces $837M investment into Port of Philadelphia
Northeast Times: Shapiro Announces $371.5M State Investment To Expand PhilaPort
PHL 17: Massive Philaport expansion to create more than 6,000 jobs
Manufacturing Dive: GSK to invest $800M in Pennsylvania expansion
Endpoints News: GSK to invest $800M for new R&D, manufacturing hub in Pennsylvania
The Mercury: GSK investing $800 million to expand in Montgomery County
Daily Local News: GSK investing $800 million to expand in Montgomery County
Patch News: Pharma Giant GSK To Expand In Montgomery Co., Investing $800 Million
Pennsylvania Business Report: GSK expanding operations in Montgomery County
MyChesCo: GSK Commits Over $800 Million to Montgomery County Expansion
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Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development published this content on October 15, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 15, 2026 at 15:33 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]