Governor Shapiro Announces $20 Million Investment From B. Braun To Expand Medical Device Manufacturing In The Lehigh Valley, Creating 200 New Jobs

The Commonwealth is investing $1.5 million to support the expansion of the leading life sciences company’s medical device manufacturing facility in Allentown to help meet the demand for infusion therapy products across the U.S.

Allentown, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro joined B. Braun leaders and local officials to announce that the company — a global leader in infusion therapy and pain management — will invest $20 million to expand and modernize its medical device manufacturing facility in the Lehigh Valley. The project will create at least 200 new, full-time jobs over the next three years and retain 1,704 existing full-time positions. The Commonwealth is supporting the project with $1.5 million in state funding.

“Pennsylvania is a national leader in the biotech and life sciences industry thanks to our key location, research infrastructure, and skilled workforce,” said 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.”

B. Braun is expanding and modernizing production equipment at its 710,000-square-foot medical device manufacturing facility at 901 Marcon Boulevard in Hanover Township, near Allentown. The upgrades will enhance IV therapy, pharmacy admixture, and compounding operations products. The company currently manufactures more than 2,400 medical devices and related products in Lehigh County and has its U.S. headquarters in Bethlehem.

To support the project, B. Braun received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) that includes a $1 million Pennsylvania First grant and a $500,000 WEDnetPA grant to train its workers.

“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.”

“We are proud to continue growing our manufacturing operations in the Lehigh Valley,” said Rob Albert, CEO, B. Braun of America. “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.”

To support the expansion, B. Braun is also launching a new workforce training center at the Allentown site to centralize the training and skills development for its new and existing employees.

“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,” said Don Cunningham, President & CEO of Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation. “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.”

The Lehigh Valley is home to more than 170 life sciences business establishments – manufacturing facilities, labs, research centers, offices, and distribution centers – that employ more than 6,000 people. Life sciences companies like Apozeal Pharmaceuticals, Adare Pharma Solutions, and GSK have expanded operations in Pennsylvania, bringing new jobs and R&D investments into the Commonwealth.

The Lehigh Valley’s economy is driven by manufacturing, with an annual output of $9 billion, representing 16% of the region's $55.7 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Nationally, manufacturing accounts for 12% of the GDP.