AbbVie announced a $195 million investment to expand active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing at its North Chicago, Illinois facility, marking a significant step in the company's strategy to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical production capabilities. The expansion represents part of AbbVie's previously announced commitment to invest more than $10 billion in U.S. capital projects over the next decade.
Manufacturing Expansion Details
The new API facility will enhance AbbVie's chemical synthesis capabilities in the United States, supporting domestic production of current and next-generation medicines across neuroscience, immunology, and oncology therapeutic areas. Active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing involves producing the active components responsible for the therapeutic effects of medications through complex, multi-step processes.
Construction of the North Chicago API facility is scheduled to begin in fall 2025, with the site projected to be fully operational by 2027. The facility will expand AbbVie's existing U.S. manufacturing footprint, which currently supports more than 6,000 American jobs across 11 manufacturing sites and thousands of additional jobs at suppliers throughout the country.
Strategic Investment Context
"Over the next decade, AbbVie will expand production of API, drug product, peptides and medical devices in the U.S. to support future medical breakthroughs," said Robert A. Michael, chairman and chief executive officer of AbbVie. "This is an important step to maintain U.S. leadership in pharmaceutical innovation and deliver next-generation medicines that make a remarkable impact on patients' lives."
The investment furthers AbbVie's long-term commitment to Illinois, where the company is headquartered and employs more than 11,000 people who work to develop and manufacture innovative medicines for patients worldwide.
Economic Impact and Government Support
As part of the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with Illinois, AbbVie has committed to creating at least 50 new full-time jobs within three years. In calendar year 2024, companies in the EDGE program committed more than $650 million in investments in Illinois communities across the state.
"AbbVie's decision to expand its manufacturing footprint in Illinois is a testament to our state's world-class workforce, infrastructure, cutting-edge research institutions, and location that keeps businesses connected to the nation and the world," said Governor JB Pritzker. "As a global leader in pharmaceuticals, AbbVie's investment in Illinois bolsters our world-class biomanufacturing ecosystem and creates jobs while it innovates next generation medicines."
Regional Manufacturing Leadership
The expansion reinforces Illinois' position as a national leader in advanced manufacturing and biosciences. Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart noted that this investment contributes to the largest life sciences cluster in the Midwest, while North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham emphasized the economic benefits for city, county, and state economies.
"This project aligns with the State's vision to attract and retain Illinois companies that are investing in innovation, infrastructure, and workforce development," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. The investment demonstrates AbbVie's confidence in Illinois' biomanufacturing ecosystem and its capacity to support pharmaceutical innovation and production.
