Eli Lilly and Company plans to build a $5bn manufacturing facility just west of Richmond, Virginia, in Goochland County.
The new site will be the company’s first dedicated, fully integrated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and drug product facility for Lilly’s emerging bioconjugate platform and monoclonal antibody portfolio.
Earlier this year, at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Lilly announced plans to bolster its domestic medicine production across therapeutic areas by building four new pharmaceutical manufacturing sites in the US. The planned Virginia facility is the first to be announced and is part of the company’s $50bn in US capital expansion commitments since 2020. At this site, Lilly will also boost its domestic manufacturing of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
“Our investment in Virginia underscores our commitment to U.S. innovation and manufacturing – creating high-quality jobs, strengthening communities and advancing the health and well-being of Americans nationwide,” said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO.
“By expanding our domestic capacity, we’re building a secure, resilient supply chain that delivers for patients today and supports the breakthrough medicines of tomorrow.”
Expected to be completed within the next five years, the manufacturing site will bring more than 650 new high-paying jobs to Virginia, including highly skilled engineers, scientists, operations personnel and lab technicians. The project is anticipated to bring 1,800 construction jobs to the region and benefit the local economy.
Lilly’s capital investment and jobs numbers go beyond what the company initially committed to in the Virginia incentive process submission, reinforcing the importance this new site will have in the company’s ability to deliver medicines to people in the US and around the world. The company expects that for every dollar invested in the Virginia facility, up to four dollars will be generated in local economic activity. Each manufacturing job will support multiple positions in related industries like supply chain, logistics and retail.
Lilly will use advanced technologies such as machine learning, AI and automated systems at the site. This will enable right-first-time execution, all in support of the safe and reliable supply of medicines. To maximize the latest technology, digital integrations and automation, the company plans to engage locally, partnering with local universities and supporting community educational initiatives in Virginia.
“This isn’t just another manufacturing site — it represents a significant milestone for Lilly, as we begin building our first bioconjugate facility,” said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations.
“With this cutting-edge site, Lilly is setting a new benchmark in bioconjugate innovation, advancing technologies that will expand what’s possible for patients. This investment reflects our bold vision, our commitment to transformative technologies and our dedication to being a good neighbour through sustainability efforts and support of local education and community partnerships.”
The company plans to announce three remaining U.S. manufacturing sites this year and expects to begin making medicines at these four facilities within five years.
Support for Lilly’s job creation will be provided, in part, through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which was created by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in collaboration with higher education partners.
Jim Cornall is editor of Deeptech Digest and publisher at Ayr Coastal Media. He is an award-winning writer, editor, photographer, broadcaster, designer and author. Contact Jim here.
