From microchips to medicines, major investments announced during the first half of 2026 will bring more than 1,100 new jobs and $3.6 billion of investment to the Lehigh Valley.
Led by Eli Lilly and Company's record-setting pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, the mix of projects also includes those in advanced manufacturing, food and beverage production, and the creative services.
Those industries are priorities in the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation Strategic Plan, which calls for sharpening the region’s focus on industry sectors that drive future economic growth and offer high-value jobs for people of all skill and education levels.
These investments are building on the economic momentum in the Lehigh Valley, ranked as the nation's No. 1 mid-sized market for economic development in 2025, with record highs in Gross Domestic Product ($57.3 billion), employment (more than 345,000 jobs), and median household income ($84,260, higher than the state and nation).
Microchips
In June, Nokia announced a $30 million expansion of its advanced testing and packaging operations in Upper Macungie Township. The expansion will create 242 new jobs and position the Lehigh Valley to continue its role as a leader in technological innovation amid the demand for semiconductors to fuel artificial intelligence.
The expansion is being supported by $10 million in tax credits from the federal government through the CHIPS and Science Act, and by $3.3 million from the state government through a grant and manufacturing tax credits.
“This location has become a strategic hub for the United States for advanced testing and packaging of optical components supporting telecommunications and AI infrastructure here in the United States but reaching globally.”
- Justin Hotard, President & CEO, Nokia
Medicines
In January, Eli Lilly and Company announced it would build a $3.5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in Upper Macungie as part of its $50 billion investment in domestic manufacturing.
The facility, which will produce next-generation injectable weight-loss treatments, is the largest investment in Lehigh Valley history and the largest life sciences investment in Pennsylvania history. Lilly will employ 850 people, and construction of the campus will create 2,000 jobs.
The project is projected to have a $14 billion impact on the Lehigh Valley economy.
“It'll be a beautiful site in the end that will make life-changing products for people around the world and create family changing jobs for the people that work there … suppliers, local community businesses that will thrive because we've increased the activity in this area.”
– David Ricks, Chair & CEO, Eli Lilly and Company
Pet Food
In June, Spot & Tango announced a $20 million expansion of its fresh, all-natural pet food production operation in Upper Macungie, to meet increased customer demand for its main brand, UnKibble.
The expansion will double the facility’s manufacturing capacity and create 50 jobs, an increase of about 50%.
Spot & Tango opened its factory in the Lehigh Valley in 2022.
“We really love the area and we're really proud of the team we’ve built and so we're excited to keep growing here.”
– Dylan Munro, Chief Operating Officer & Co-founder, Spot & Tango
Creativity
Construction is underway on the ArtsQuest Creative Factory, an 80,000-square-foot, five-story hub of visual arts, education, and creativity in Bethlehem. It will offer a recording studio; media lab; maker space; dedicated studios for jewelry-making, mosaics, ceramics, and hot glass; and expanded collaborative spaces for volunteers, artists, teachers, and visitors.
Free and open to the public seven days a week, the Creative Factory will offer increased capacity for arts classes, camps, artist exhibitions, and community engagement.
“This is more than just a building, it’s a promise to our community. We know that access to the arts improves academic achievement, emotional wellbeing, and mental health. The ArtsQuest Creative Factory powered by PPL will help students succeed, artists thrive and communities connect because the arts are not a luxury, they are a necessity.”
– Kassie Hilgert, President & CEO, ArtsQuest
(Photos courtesy of Eli Lilly and Company, Spot & Tango, ArtsQuest)