With recent investments in biopharma manufacturing, Virginia is meeting the moment with a major push to build its talent pipeline, launching new training programs and a dedicated workforce center to prepare workers for advanced manufacturing roles. As reshoring accelerates, the Commonwealth is positioning itself not just as a production hub—but as a leader in workforce readiness. 

Merck, Eli Lilly, Astra Zenec and more have made investments to expand in Virginia, signalling a broader surge in U.S.-based biopharma manufacturing as major drugmakers invest billions to bring production stateside. Driven by pandemic-era supply chain risks and new policy incentives, a nationwide reshoring wave is rapidly gaining momentum.

Pam Cheng is executive vice president of global operations and IT and chief sustainability officer at AstraZeneca, which recently announced a new facility in Albemarle County — the company’s first in Virginia. VEDP Vice President of Manufacturing Sneha Atwal spoke with Cheng about the Commonwealth’s rapid rise in pharmaceutical engineering and the company’s plans for the new facility.

Virginia’s pharma manufacturing successes build on years of ecosystem development.

Across Virginia, local life sciences ecosystems are helping researchers connect with the funding and facilities they need to grow.

Virginia’s cities, counties, and towns represent a wide range of living situations, with a location to support any lifestyle.

An article in Virginia Business examines how Virginia secured more than $12 billion in major pharmaceutical manufacturing investments in 2025 - attributing the success largely to long-term preparation and partnerships and tailored support.

Bonnie Chavez, CEO of Building Beloved Communities in Roanoke, Virginia, discusses quality of life and talent opportunities in Roanoke and Virginia as a whole, including what drew her to the area, the opportunities for talent and her own "Why Virginia" story.

Bonnie Chavez, CEO of Building Beloved Communities in Roanoke, Virginia, discusses quality of life and talent opportunities in Roanoke and Virginia as a whole, including what drew her to the area, the opportunities for talent and her own "Why Virginia" story.

VEDP Senior Vice President of Talent and Workforce Strategy Megan Healy spoke with Beard about talent in Virginia and the rest of the country and the ways states and regions can help ensure alignment between skill development and employer needs.