Eli Lilly and Company announced plans to construct a $5 billion manufacturing facility in Goochland County, Virginia, representing a significant expansion of the pharmaceutical giant's domestic production capabilities for advanced cancer and autoimmune therapies. The facility will serve as the company's first dedicated, fully integrated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and drug product site for Lilly's emerging bioconjugate platform and monoclonal antibody portfolio.
The Virginia facility marks the first of four new U.S. manufacturing sites that Lilly plans to announce this year, following the company's earlier commitment to bolster domestic medicine production across therapeutic areas. This investment is part of Lilly's broader $50 billion U.S. capital expansion commitment since 2020.
Focus on Advanced Therapeutic Technologies
The new manufacturing site will prioritize production of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), a targeted therapy class designed to deliver potent medicines directly to diseased cells. According to the company, ADCs combine the precision of monoclonal antibodies with the power of cytotoxic medicines, acting as highly specialized carriers that maximize treatment effectiveness while reducing harm to healthy tissue. While primarily used to treat cancer, ADCs are being explored for autoimmune diseases and other conditions.
"This isn't just another manufacturing site — it represents a significant milestone for Lilly, as we begin building our first bioconjugate facility," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. "With this cutting-edge site, Lilly is setting a new benchmark in bioconjugate innovation, advancing technologies that will expand what's possible for patients."
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The facility is expected to create more than 650 new high-paying jobs in Virginia, including positions for highly skilled engineers, scientists, operations personnel, and lab technicians. Additionally, the project is anticipated to generate 1,800 construction jobs during the building phase. Lilly projects that for every dollar invested in the Virginia facility, up to four dollars will be generated in local economic activity, with each manufacturing job supporting multiple positions in related industries such as supply chain, logistics, and retail.
"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," said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. "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."
Advanced Manufacturing Technologies
The facility will incorporate cutting-edge technologies including machine learning, artificial intelligence, and automated systems to enable right-first-time execution in support of safe and reliable medicine supply. To maximize these technological capabilities, Lilly plans to engage with local universities and support community educational initiatives in Virginia.
Goochland County was selected from hundreds of applications based on several criteria, including workforce potential in the Greater Richmond Region, local incentives, ready access to utilities and transportation, and favorable zoning. The company emphasizes its commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, planning to embrace innovative technologies to minimize the facility's environmental footprint.
Timeline and Future Expansion
Expected to be completed within the next five years, the Virginia facility represents just the beginning of Lilly's expanded U.S. manufacturing footprint. The company plans to announce three additional U.S. manufacturing sites this year and expects to begin producing medicines at all four facilities within five years.
Governor Glenn Youngkin praised the investment, stating, "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."
Support for Lilly's job creation efforts will be provided through the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, created by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in collaboration with higher education partners. The company's capital investment and job creation numbers exceed what was initially committed during the Virginia incentive process, reinforcing the strategic importance of this facility for Lilly's global medicine delivery capabilities.
