Eli Lilly Invests $1B in Facility to Boost Access to Medicine in NC

Eli Lilly and Company recently announced plans to invest over $1 billion to create a new manufacturing site and boost access to medicine in Concord, North Carolina.

The facility will utilize the latest technology to manufacture injectable products and devices and increase Eli Lilly’s manufacturing capability.

“Lilly is entering an exciting period of growth and we are committed to delivering innovative medicines to patients around the world,” Edgardo Hernandez, senior vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations, said in the announcement.

“Expanding our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina enables us to continue to produce today’s medicines while providing additional capacity to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. We are pleased to again partner with North Carolina to bring jobs to American workers and provide more medicines that patients need to address health challenges,” Hernandez continued.

Eli Lilly selected Concord because of its manufacturing technology experience, its proximity to universities with strong science, technology, engineering, and STEM programs, and its access to major transportation infrastructure.

Last year, Eli Lilly announced a $470 million investment in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park.

The new facility will allow the company to strengthen relationships with local governments and universities to diversify its growing presence in the state, an Eli Lilly spokesperson explained.

Additionally, the company will create nearly 600 new jobs for highly skilled workers, including scientists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel. These individuals will utilize advanced technology to produce life-changing treatments and devices for individuals globally.

North Carolina Governor, Roy Cooper, stated that Eli Lilly’s initiative brings more jobs to the state for one of its most important industries. The investment in Concord is contingent upon completing county and municipal government permitting and related approvals.   

Over the past five years, Eli Lilly has invested more than $4 billion in global manufacturing, including over $2 billion in the US.

Most recently, the company announced plans to invest $500 million in a new biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Limerick, Ireland.

Eli Lilly anticipates future investments in manufacturing to address growth expected from potential new medicines to treat diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, and autoimmune conditions.