Eli Lilly and Company has announced plans to invest more than $6bn in a new manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama.
The next-generation synthetic medicine active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facility, the third of four new US sites Lilly plans to announce, will produce small molecule synthetic and peptide medicines.
The site will be among those that will manufacture orforglipron, Lilly’s first oral, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, which the company expects to submit to global regulatory agencies for obesity by the end of this year.
Lilly will bring 450 jobs to the area, including engineers, scientists, operations personnel and lab technicians. Construction, expected to begin in 2026, is anticipated to generate 3,000 construction jobs as the facility is built. Completion is expected in 2032.
“Huntsville’s track record of science and innovation, supported by advanced manufacturing expertise and a skilled workforce, makes Alabama an ideal location for Lilly to expand domestic manufacturing capacity for next‑generation medicines,” said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO.
“Today’s investment continues the onshoring of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) production, strengthening supply chain resilience and reliable access to medicines for patients in the U.S.”
Expanding Lilly’s US manufacturing presence in Alabama will boost the Huntsville economy. For every dollar Lilly invests there, it estimates up to four dollars in additional local economic activity. Also, for each manufacturing job created, several more will be generated in related sectors like supply chain, logistics and retail.
The Greenbrier South, Huntsville, Alabama site was selected from more than 300 applications, partly based on its proximity to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, an established bioscience campus that supports workforce training and research. In addition to its workforce potential, the region offers ready access to utilities, transportation and favourable zoning and incentives.
Lilly plans to use technologies including machine learning, AI, digitally integrated monitoring systems and advanced data analytics to drive right-first-time execution. Digital automation will be embedded throughout the site to streamline operations and ensure a reliable supply of safe, high-quality medicines.
“By establishing this new facility, Lilly is deepening America’s expertise in advanced chemical synthesis and setting new standards for sustainable manufacturing,” said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations.
“Our investment not only expands our technical capabilities but also reinforces our commitment to environmental stewardship, leveraging innovative processes to minimize waste and achieve carbon neutrality. Each step forward strengthens our US operations and supports healthier communities for the future.”
Earlier this year, Lilly announced plans to bolster its domestic medicine production across therapeutic areas. The company recently revealed plans to build sites in Texas and Virginia and to expand an existing manufacturing site in Puerto Rico. Another US location will be announced in the coming weeks.
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