Haleon (2023-2025)

Challenge

Global leader in consumer healthcare Haleon sought to expand its R&D capabilities with new innovative technologies.

GRP’s role

GRP met with the company in June 2023 and learned of potential future expansion plans. GRP brought its local and state partners in on the project.

Through a long-lasting relationship GRP has worked with Haleon and its previous companies GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Pfizer and Wyeth in the past:

In 2010, following Pfizer’s $68 billion purchase of pharmaceutical company Wyeth, GRP successfully worked with the City of Richmond and VEDP to retain Pfizer’s Consumer Health R&D facility as well as 300 local jobs.

In 2019, after announcing the new joint venture “Haleon,” GSK and Pfizer sought a new facility and narrowed the search to the Richmond facility. GRP helped GSK and Pfizer in their search by providing requested data on acquiring and retaining talent as well as a recruitment video highlighting the region’s quality of life. In October 2019, GSK and Pfizer announced they would invest $16.7 million to utilize Pfizer’s existing Global R&D headquarters in the City of Richmond as Haleon’s new home, creating 100 new jobs. In the following months, GRP assisted company executives with data points and messaging to assist relocating employees and their families.

Partners

GRP worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and the City of Richmond Department of Economic Development.

Solution

In January 2025, Haleon announced it would invest $54.2 million to expand and modernize its R&D facility.

“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone for Haleon. Our investment in the modernization of the lab space at our Research & Development facility is an investment in delivering on our mission of everyday health with humanity as well as the Richmond community. We are further excited by our partnership with the Commonwealth to co-fund a five-year paid internship program, with the State of Virginia to build Richmond as a Life Science Hub and develop the future workforce. Haleon is proud to give back to the community we call home.” Lisa PaleyNorth American President, Haleon

Results

Haleon’s facility expansion in the City of Richmond will generate $54.2 million in capital investment for local community services. Haleon will also partner with the Commonwealth of Virginia to launch a five-year paid internship opportunity for undergraduate students enrolled in Virginia Commonwealth University’s new Pharmaceutical Science program.

GRP offers many services including: (1) confidential project management assistance; (2) site selection assistance; (3) in-depth market data; (4) financial and entrepreneurial resources; (5) local- and state-level connections and; (6) workforce recruitment and training. Let us know how we can help your company.