Medical technology company B. Braun announces $20 million expansion in Pennsylvania

B. Braun, a German medical equipment company, announced September 18 it would spend $20 million, including $1.5 million in funding from the state, on expanding its existing medical device manufacturing site in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In a release, the company said the expansion will create 200 new full-time jobs over the next three years.

The current facility is currently 710,000 square feet and employs about 1,700 people. In a statement, the company said the expansion will modernize production equipment used to produce IV therapy, pharmacy admixture, and compounding operations products.

The Braun expansion is the latest such move in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, which also hosts the company’s headquarters in Bethlehem. A recent Plant Services digest covered two similar expansions in the area: Phoenix Tube Company’s expansion in Bethlehem and Box Rexroth’s new facility in Lehigh Valley Industrial Park I. A release from Braun noted that Lehigh Valley’s economy is “driven by manufacturing,” with an annual output of $9 billion.

What people are saying

“Pennsylvania is a national leader in the biotech and life sciences industry thanks to our key location, research infrastructure, and skilled workforce,” said Pennsylvania Governor Josh 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 Shapiro Administration is proud to support B. Braun’s continued growth and success here in Pennsylvania,” said Rick Siger, Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development. “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.”

“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.”

Manufacturers investing in Pennsylvania

Philips invests $150 million to expand ultrasound manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania
The investment also includes projects in Minnesota and other U.S. facilities to strengthen the company’s growth in the healthcare technology market.

Verne invests $4.5M to open hydrogen storage vessel manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania 
The new facility will create at least 61 full-time jobs and strengthen Pennsylvania’s clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. 

Module Design invests $2.4M to expand modular housing manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania
The project will create 58 new jobs and retain eight existing positions in Allegheny County.