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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

GlaxoSmithKline Expands Richmond, Virginia, Operations

11/01/2019
GlaxoSmithKline plc, a leading global healthcare company, will invest $16.7 million to expand its consumer healthcare research and development center in Richmond, Virginia.

GSK chose Virginia as one of three R&D laboratory hubs for their global Consumer Healthcare business and plans to add approximately 150 new jobs at the site.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) worked with the City of Richmond and the Greater Richmond Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $675,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Richmond with the project.

“We are extremely proud that GSK will make a major investment in the City of Richmond and continue to grow its footprint in Virginia,” said Governor Ralph Northam. “The greater Richmond region has emerged as a hub for leading biosciences companies, offering world-class education institutions, research assets, and a pipeline of skilled talent, and GSK’s consumer healthcare joint venture and expansion will further its position as a powerhouse in this industry. We thank GSK for its commitment to our Commonwealth, and stand ready to support the company’s success.”

In August 2019, GSK announced the completion of its transaction with Pfizer to combine consumer healthcare businesses into a world-leading consumer healthcare joint venture, which will be the largest over-the-counter healthcare company in the world.

The joint venture brings together two highly complementary portfolios of trusted consumer health brands, including GSK’s Sensodyne, Voltaren, and Panadol and Pfizer’s Advil, Centrum, and Caltrate. The existing R&D facility in the City of Richmond, formerly the Global R&D headquarters for Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, will be operated by the new consumer healthcare joint venture.

“GSK is an important, long-term employer in the City of Richmond, and this major investment and expansion will further the company’s portfolio of important consumer healthcare products and ensure this operation’s continued viability in Richmond,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “Life sciences is a booming sector in the Commonwealth thanks to cutting-edge corporate partners like GSK, and we look forward to the company’s continued growth in Richmond.”

“The Commonwealth of Virginia and the City of Richmond provide an environment for GSK Consumer Healthcare to build leading R&D capabilities, including access to world-class talent and universities, while also offering an attractive cost of living and favorable business operating costs,” said Dr. Peter John Ramsey, PhD, Vice President and Head, GSK Consumer Healthcare R&D, The Americas.

Support for GSK Consumer Healthcare’s job creation will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a new workforce initiative created by VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System, with funding support from the Northam administration and the Virginia General Assembly. GSK Consumer Healthcare represents the second company to benefit from the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program.

“GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare’s strategic decision to invest $16.7 million and add over 150 jobs to expand its research and development presence in Richmond speaks to the city’s strength as an international destination for business and life sciences,” said City of Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney. “Our city is a great place to live, work, and play and we thank GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare for continuing to invest and grow in Richmond.”

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome GSK's $16.7 million investment and expansion of its research and development facilities to create over 150 jobs in the City of Richmond,” said Delegate Jeffrey Bourne. “This investment and expansion are a testament to the strength and quality of Richmond's infrastructure, workforce, and community.”

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