U. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. – Multinational telecommunications company Nokia is undergoing a major expansion in the Lehigh Valley.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced the company’s plan on Tuesday, after touring the facility on Windsor Drive in Upper Macungie Township.

“You’re choosing to invest about $30 million here to expand the packaging and testing of those photonic semiconductors right here in the Lehigh Valley,” said Shapiro.

Shapiro said Nokia is one of the most important technology companies not only in Pennsylvania, but in the world.

The expansion is going to ensure that the future of chip manufacturing runs through the region, Shapiro said where it all started decades ago.

“This investment is going to create 250 new jobs in advanced manufacturing,” Shapiro said.

It includes positions in engineering, manufacturing and research and development, and more; roles that officials said build the foundation for AI native networks.

He said the expansion is projected to generate more than $500 million over the next five years.

“We’re proving once again that having a pro-growth strategy is working,” said Shapiro.

“We have Eli Lilly and Company expansion right down the road in Upper Macungie Township and now we have Nokia. Governor, you mentioned some of the biggest companies are coming right here to the Lehigh Valley,” said 69 News Reporter Cierra Genelle.

“We have a great workforce here. Extraordinary local leadership,” said Shapiro. “Whether it’s Lilly or whether it’s Nokia, they understand that this is a great region to find wonderful workers. “

The Nokia facility will also expand non-essential operations to additional space on Snowdrift Road.

Nokia President and CEO Justin Hotard said the project will expand existing photonic semiconductor advanced testing and operations in Upper Macungie Township by up to ten times its current level and reduce energy usage.

“Expanding here is not just about Nokia; it’s about strengthening a domestic capability that will matter for the AI super cycle over the long term,” said Hotard.

The expansion will also retain more than 300 full-time positions.

Shapiro said more than 1,000 people in the region work at semiconductor and related technology businesses and that number is only growing.