Abbvie to spend $380 million, create 300 new jobs at new Illinois factories

Abbvie, Inc. announced February 23 that it would spend $380 million to build two new factories on its North Chicago manufacturing campus. According to a company statement, the factories will produce active pharmaceutical ingredients for the company’s neurological and anti-obesity medication and employ 300 once they become operational in 2029. Construction is set to begin later this year.

The two new sites in North Chicago will augment Abbvie’s previously-announced plans to spend $195 million on a new chemical synthesis factory and create 50 new jobs. According to the Illinois governor’s office, Abbvie has agreed to create 350 new jobs in Chicago as part of an economic development agreement for unspecified terms.

Company leadership noted the latest factories will go towards the company’s plan to spend $100 million in U.S. capital investments over the course of the decade.

What people are saying

“This milestone demonstrates further progress against AbbVie’s $100 billion commitment to U.S. R&D and capital investments over the next decade,” said Robert A. Michael, chairman and chief executive officer, AbbVie. “By strengthening AbbVie’s U.S. manufacturing capabilities, we are well-positioned to support our investment in innovation and enhance our ability to deliver next-generation medicines to patients.”

“AbbVie’s significant investment fortifies Illinois’ position as a global biomanufacturing leader while creating hundreds of new jobs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With our world-class workforce, modern infrastructure, strategic location, and cutting-edge research ecosystem, this expansion underscores why Illinois is the best place to grow and innovate. Together, we’re advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D and building a stronger economic future for communities across Illinois.”

“By leveraging our economic development tools, the State of Illinois is supporting AbbVie in their efforts to expand advanced manufacturing, create hundreds of quality jobs, and keep Illinois at the forefront of innovation in next-generation medicines,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. 

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