ICYMI: Governor Shapiro Secures Billions in Private Sector Investments from Life Sciences Companies, Spearheads Largest PhilaPort Expansion in History

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Official release

Source material from Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The wording below is the issuer’s statement.

ICYMI: Governor Shapiro Secures Billions in Private Sector Investments from Life Sciences Companies, Spearheads Largest PhilaPort Expansion in History

October 15, 2026

“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

Philadelphia Inquirer: $837 million in public and private funds will be invested in Port of Philadelphia, Gov. Shapiro says

Philadelphia Business Journal: Merck debuts $500M research building at West Point campus in Montgomery County

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

Philadelphia Business Journal: PhilaPort to get more than $800M for expansion, including first new berth in 50 years

CBS Philadelphia: Philadelphia port will get a new berth, equipment thanks to $837M in new investments

Penn Live: PhilaPort expansion 2026: What the historic investment means for Pennsylvania

WHYY: Port of Philadelphia to see $837 million investment for expansion that leaders say will create 6,000 new jobs

City & State PA: Port of Philadelphia announces major expansion with the help of state, federal and private funds

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

Pennsylvania Business Report: Pennsylvania to invest in $837M Philadelphia port’s expansion, Shapiro says

Manufacturing Dive: GSK to invest $800M in Pennsylvania expansion

Philadelphia Business Journal: GSK commits $800M to build new Upper Merion facility as pharma investment surges

WFMZ: Gov. Shapiro secures over $800M investment from GSK to expand operations, creating over 300 new jobs

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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Business Expansion Governor Josh Shapiro Life Science Manufacturing

Release text attributed to Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.