Eli Lilly and Company invests $5 billion to build pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Virginia

Eli Lilly and Company has announced plans to build a $5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Goochland County, just west of Richmond, Virginia. The company, which develops and produces medicines across therapeutic areas, will invest $5 billion into the project and create more than 650 new jobs.

The Virginia site will be Lilly’s first fully integrated facility dedicated to its bioconjugate platform and monoclonal antibody portfolio. It will also support the company’s manufacturing of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), therapies designed to deliver targeted medicines directly to diseased cells. The facility is expected to be completed within five years.

In addition to the 650 high-paying jobs, the project will create 1,800 construction jobs and generate significant local economic activity. Lilly estimates that for every dollar invested in the facility, up to four dollars will be generated in the regional economy. Each manufacturing position is expected to support multiple jobs in related industries such as supply chain, logistics and retail.

The company will use advanced technologies including machine learning, AI, and automated systems to ensure safe, reliable and efficient production. Digital integrations and automation will support right-first-time execution, while partnerships with local universities and community educational programs will help develop future talent.

Goochland County was chosen based on workforce potential, local incentives, utility and transportation access, and favorable zoning. Support for job creation at the site will be provided in part through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, created by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in collaboration with higher education partners.

What people are saying 

In a recent quote, David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO, said, “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. 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.”

Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia, added, “Lilly is one of the world's great innovators, and I want to thank them for this significant commitment to Virginia. This new facility in Goochland County will create 650 great jobs, along with 1,800 construction jobs, and deliver some of the most advanced medicines in Lilly's portfolio, powered by the unmatched talent of our Virginia workforce. By expanding manufacturing capacity here in the United States, we are strengthening our economy, securing America's critical pharmaceutical supply chain, and positioning Virginia to lead in the industries that will drive innovation for generations to come.”

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