Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche has announced a huge investment plan for the United States. Over the next five years, the company will spend €47 billion (about $50 billion). This plan will create more than 12,000 new jobs. It also includes building new sites and upgrading current ones across eight US states.
Expanding in Eight States
Roche is already well-established in the US. The company employs more than 25,000 people and operates 15 research centers and 13 manufacturing sites. With this new investment, the number of US sites will rise to 24. These sites will be located in California, Indiana, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and four other states.
CEO Thomas Schinecker said the investment shows Roche’s deep trust in US innovation. “The US has always been a leader in science. We want to grow with it,” he said.
Focus on Research and New Drugs
A major part of the plan is building new research and development centers. These will be in California, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. Roche will also build high-tech manufacturing plants. One will focus on gene therapy in Pennsylvania. Another, at an undisclosed location, will make a new weight-loss drug.
These efforts aim to help Roche grow its range of new medicines. The company says it wants to treat diseases that do not yet have cures.
Boost to Local Economies
This investment will not just help Roche. It is also expected to boost the local economies where the new jobs will be. State officials in Pennsylvania and Indiana have already praised the move. They say it will bring new skills, higher wages, and economic growth.
The company has promised to work with local schools and colleges. It will offer job training and internships for students who want to work in science and tech.
A Political Angle
This move comes at a tense time in US-Swiss relations. Earlier this month, former President Donald Trump announced a new trade plan. Called “Liberation Day,” the plan included a 31% tariff on goods from Switzerland.
That news shook investors. Roche’s share price fell by 18% in April, mostly because of the tariff threat.
But a recent phone call between Trump and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter changed things. After the call, the US paused the new tariffs for 90 days. Some Swiss media outlets say the call may have helped stop the tariffs — at least for now.
Still, Roche has not made any public statement about the trade talks. The company did say it plans to export more from the US than it imports. This shift may help reduce the impact of future trade problems.
Why the US?
The US is a key market for Roche. Last year, it earned nearly €26.8 billion in US sales. That’s almost half of its total revenue from medicine.
Experts say the US has great science talent and strong legal protections for drug patents. These are major reasons why Roche continues to grow its business there.
Biotech analyst Lisa Morgan from HealthMark Insights said, “Roche’s decision shows how powerful the US market is. It also shows that the company sees a bright future here.”
A Look Ahead
With this plan, Roche is not just reacting to trade issues. It is preparing for the future. Gene therapy and weight-loss drugs are fast-growing areas in medicine. By building in the US, Roche can speed up testing and production.
It also means the company can respond faster to patient needs and supply chain issues. More local production can help reduce delays caused by shipping or customs.
As Roche grows in the US, other global drug makers may follow. Countries are now competing to attract science and tech investments. Big investments like this one could set a new trend.
Roche’s €47 billion investment shows its deep belief in the US market. By creating over 12,000 jobs and expanding across eight states, the company is betting big on American science and workers.
Despite political challenges and market fears, Roche is moving forward with its plans. And with more drugs made and tested in the US, patients may also benefit.