KEY POINTS
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AstraZeneca, the global pharmaceutical company, announced a $50 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and Research and Development by 2030.
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The initiative will create tens of thousands of jobs, according to AstraZeneca, opening potential project demand for contractors, subcontractors, and building product manufacturers.
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Driven by trade pressure and onshoring incentives, AstraZeneca’s investment aligns with federal priorities to support local sourcing and potential public–private infrastructure partnerships.
AstraZeneca, the global pharmaceutical company, announced a $50 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and Research and Development (R&D) by 2030.
The initiative creates potential opportunities for general contractors, subcontractors, specialty trades, and building product manufacturers to support complex, high-value builds across the country.
Nationwide Expansion Across Four Key States
The investment spans major expansions and new builds in four states, each presenting potential construction opportunities:
Virginia: AstraZeneca will build its largest-ever manufacturing facility in Virginia, a multi-billion-dollar investment (in addition to the $3.5B announced in November 2024). The facility will manufacture advanced medicines for weight management and metabolic health, using technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data analytics to improve efficiency and precision.
Texas (Coppell): Investment in logistics and specialized production facilities supporting national pharmaceutical distribution.
Maryland (Rockville & Gaithersburg): Cell therapy and biotech research hubs.
Massachusetts (Cambridge): A new site enhancing AstraZeneca’s innovation footprint in life sciences.
Onshoring Incentives Drive the Surge
AstraZeneca’s expansion is influenced by U.S. trade pressures and supply chain risks, including the threat of up to 200% tariffs on imported drugs.
In a statement, Howard Lutnick, US Secretary of Commerce, said, “For decades, Americans have been reliant on a foreign supply of key pharmaceutical products. President Trump and our nation’s new tariff policies are focused on ending this structural weakness.”
Federal policy is helping accelerate onshoring through:
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Faster regulatory paths for U.S.-based production
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Opportunities for public–private partnerships
In a press release, AstraZeneca said, “This investment is expected to create tens of thousands of new, highly skilled direct and indirect jobs across the country, powering growth and delivering next-generation medicines for patients in America and worldwide.”
Manufacturing Subcategory Rebounds through June
Manufacturing construction starts improved through June 2025. In the July 2025 Construction Economy Snapshot, Chief Economist Michael Guckes reported, “After finishing the first quarter down 34 percent, manufacturing starts have recorded an extraordinary rebound. Year-to-date results through June reported 77 percent growth, thanks in large part to multi-billion-dollar megaprojects.”
A chart of year-to-date US Construction Starts by Top 25 Subcategories. Year-to-date results through June reported 77 percent growth in manufacturing. Image: ConstructConnect Construction Economy Snapshot
AstraZeneca’s Footprint in the United States
According to AstraZeneca, the United States is its largest and most strategically significant market. Its US presence spans 19 R&D, manufacturing, and commercial facilities. The company employs over 18,000 people directly and supports an estimated 92,000 US jobs.
In 2024, AstraZeneca contributed $5 billion in direct economic impact to the U.S. economy.
Currently, the U.S. accounts for 42% of AstraZeneca’s total global revenue, and the company has a stated goal of increasing that to 50% by 2030.
AstraZeneca is a global, biopharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, UK. It is focused on researching, developing, and commercializing prescription medicines for Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Biopharmaceuticals. Its medicines are used by millions of patients across the globe and sold in over 125 countries.
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