In a significant move to bolster the life sciences sector, the Commonwealth has allocated $1.5 million for the expansion of a medical device manufacturing facility in Allentown. This investment aims to meet the growing demand for infusion therapy products nationwide.
Since his inauguration, Governor Josh Shapiro has successfully attracted over $25.6 billion in private sector investments, leading to the creation of more than 12,400 new jobs and stimulating economic growth throughout Pennsylvania.
Allentown, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro, along with B. Braun executives and local dignitaries, announced the company’s plan to invest $20 million in enhancing its medical device manufacturing facility in the Lehigh Valley. This initiative will generate at least 200 new jobs within the next three years and retain 1,704 current positions, with the state contributing $1.5 million in support.
Governor Shapiro has emphasized making Pennsylvania a business-friendly environment, resulting in unprecedented private sector investments and job creation. The state’s first Economic Development Strategy in nearly two decades underpins these achievements, facilitating significant investments from global companies such as B. Braun.
“Pennsylvania is a national leader in the biotech and life sciences industry thanks to our key location, research infrastructure, and skilled workforce,” remarked Governor Shapiro. “Having operated in the Lehigh Valley for more than 45 years, B. Braun recognizes the many advantages of doing their critical work here in Pennsylvania ― which is why they’re once again reinvesting in our Commonwealth. My Administration and I are proud to support this expansion that will grow jobs, strengthen our life sciences sector, and help drive Pennsylvania’s economy forward.”
The facility, located at 901 Marcon Boulevard in Hanover Township, near Allentown, will see upgrades that include advanced production equipment for IV therapy, pharmacy admixture, and compounding operations. B. Braun, which has its U.S. headquarters in Bethlehem, produces over 2,400 medical devices in Lehigh County.
The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has proposed a funding package for B. Braun, including a $1 million Pennsylvania First grant and a $500,000 WEDnetPA grant for workforce training.
“The Shapiro Administration is proud to support B. Braun’s continued growth and success here in Pennsylvania,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “This project further strengthens our already robust life sciences ecosystem and manufacturing industry ― two of the important sectors we’re focusing on in our 10-year Economic Development Strategy to help boost the Commonwealth’s competitiveness.”
Rob Albert, CEO of B. Braun of America, expressed, “We are proud to continue growing our manufacturing operations in the Lehigh Valley. Here in Pennsylvania, we have the skilled workforce, high quality suppliers, and business environment that enable us to manufacture medical devices used by healthcare providers across the United States. We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Shapiro Administration to make our future even stronger.”
In conjunction with the expansion, B. Braun is establishing a workforce training center at the Allentown site to enhance employee skills and development.
Don Cunningham, President & CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, stated, “B. Braun is one of the foundations of the Lehigh Valley’s manufacturing and life sciences economy, helping to lead the way in the region’s renaissance. We are grateful to Governor Shapiro and the Commonwealth for their tremendous partnership and helping to support B. Braun’s innovation and growth here in Pennsylvania.”
Senator Nick Miller highlighted the region’s manufacturing strength, saying, “The Lehigh Valley has manufacturing in its bones — our region’s manufacturing density is 50 percent higher than the national average.” He praised the collaboration between industry and education facilitated by the Governor’s investments.
Senator Lisa Boscola added, “Your commitment to economic development across the Commonwealth, including here in the Lehigh Valley, is really paying off. From our largest businesses to our main street communities, Pennsylvania is growing stronger because we’re cutting taxes, reducing red tape, and making strategic investments. That’s why projects like B. Braun’s expansion are so important — companies like B. Braun are the backbone of a strong economy. You deliver on your promises, Governor Shapiro, and I look forward to working with you to get things done.”
Representative Jeanne McNeill emphasized the positive impact on the local workforce, stating, “The Lehigh Valley is one of the fastest growing regions in Pennsylvania for young workers and B. Braun’s footprint encourages more workers who live here to stay here and contribute and will make this area more competitive with surrounding states. I must thank Gov. Shapiro, DCED Secretary Rick Siger, along with B. Braun of America CEO Rob Albert for this vital investment into the people and economy of the Lehigh Valley.”
This initiative was facilitated by Governor Shapiro’s BusinessPA team, a dedicated group of economic development professionals providing strategic support for business success in Pennsylvania.
Life sciences firms such as Apozeal Pharmaceuticals, Adare Pharma Solutions, and GSK have expanded their presence in Pennsylvania, enhancing job opportunities and research investments.
Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, momentum continues with the 2025-26 budget proposal, advocating for new investments to propel the state’s Economic Development Strategy:
- $50 million for the PA Innovation program, with a one-time $30 million boost for life sciences job growth and $20 million for ongoing support of large-scale innovation
- $12.5 million for WEDnetPA to enhance the workforce and address critical gaps
- $2 million to establish Career Connect, fostering internships in Pennsylvania companies
- $10 million through AdvancePA tax credits to create high-quality jobs statewide
- Accelerating Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) reductions by two years, decreasing the rate annually by 0.75 percent
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