INDIANAPOLIS / RICHMOND — Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) announced plans to build a $5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Goochland County, Virginia, marking the company’s first fully integrated U.S. site dedicated to producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug products for cancer, autoimmune, and other advanced therapies.
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The project will create a combined 2,450 jobs, including 650 permanent high-wage positions for engineers, scientists, and operations personnel, and 1,800 construction jobs during the buildout. The facility represents Lilly’s first of four new U.S. manufacturing sites planned for announcement this year and is part of a $50 billion capital investment strategy since 2020 to strengthen domestic production.
“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.”
The Goochland site will focus on producing antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)—a targeted cancer therapy that pairs monoclonal antibodies with cytotoxic drugs for precision treatment with reduced side effects. ADCs are primarily used in oncology but are being studied for autoimmune disorders and other conditions.
Completion of the facility is expected within five years, with Lilly projecting a four-to-one return on local economic activity for every dollar invested. Beyond direct job creation, the facility will support industries such as logistics, supply chain, and retail.
Governor Glenn Youngkin praised the investment, noting its economic and medical significance:
“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.”
Lilly will incorporate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation to maximize production efficiency and ensure supply reliability. The company also plans to partner with local universities and educational programs to build workforce pipelines, reflecting a long-term commitment to the Greater Richmond region.
“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. This investment reflects our bold vision, our commitment to transformative technologies and our dedication to being a good neighbor through sustainability efforts and support of local education and community partnerships.”
Virginia was selected after a competitive national process, with Goochland County standing out for its skilled workforce potential, favorable zoning, and proximity to utilities and transportation networks. The project will also benefit from the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, a workforce initiative run by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in collaboration with higher education partners.
This marks Lilly’s first announcement in its series of four new U.S. manufacturing sites. All are expected to begin production within the next five years, reinforcing the company’s mission of building a resilient U.S.-based medicine supply chain and expanding access to advanced therapies worldwide.
Originally reported by Lilly Investors.
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