Pharma powerhouse Eli Lilly and Company is making a major bet on US medicine production, announcing plans to invest more than $3.5 billion in a new manufacturing facility in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. 

 

The site will produce next-generation weight-loss therapies, including retatrutide, a first-in-class investigational GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon triple hormone receptor agonist.

 

This marks Lilly’s fourth new US manufacturing site since February 2025, part of the company’s ongoing push to expand domestic medicine production.

 

The facility will bring 850 high-value jobs to the region, including engineers, scientists, operations personnel, and lab technicians. Construction, slated to begin in 2026, is expected to create 2,000 construction jobs, with full operations planned for 2031.

 

“Our mission starts with patients and delivering the medicines they need. To meet increasing demand, we're expanding our U.S. manufacturing network, with Lehigh Valley adding capacity for next‑generation weight-loss medicines. 

 

"We're creating high‑quality jobs and collaborating across the region—with suppliers, educators, and workforce‑development partners—to make critical medicines in the U.S. That's our commitment—to patients, to our new Pennsylvania home and to our country,” said David A Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO.

 

Pennsylvania leaders hailed the announcement as a game-changer for the state’s economy.

 

“When we announced our Economic Development Strategy here in the Lehigh Valley two years ago, we set out to win historic, life-changing deals like the one we're announcing with Lilly today,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. 

 

"Before I took office, Pennsylvania wasn't even in the conversation for major investments like this, but thanks to our work to cut red tape, invest in site development, and expand our workforce, our Commonwealth is now competing—and winning—on a national scale. Lilly's commitment to the Lehigh Valley and to Pennsylvania will bring billions of dollars of investment and hundreds of good-paying jobs, solidifying our position as a leader in the growing life sciences industry.”

 

The Fogelsville site was selected from more than 300 candidates, thanks to its proximity to STEM universities, technical manufacturing economy, and existing infrastructure. Lilly plans to integrate advanced technologies including AI, machine learning, and data analytics to ensure efficient operations and a reliable domestic supply of medicine.

 

“Lilly Lehigh Valley—our newest injectable medicine and device manufacturing facility—will increase access to next-generation weight-loss treatments and improve the domestic supply of essential medicines for current and future patients,” said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. 

 

“Our investment here is more than just building a facility—it's about building a shared future with the people and communities of the Commonwealth. Through meaningful partnerships in Pennsylvania, we're committed to fostering collaboration, driving innovation, advancing environmental stewardship, and creating lasting positive impact that extends far beyond our facility walls.”

 

The announcement comes as part of Lilly’s broader U.S. expansion, which has totaled more than $50 billion in capital commitments since 2020, including new sites in Alabama, Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, and Indiana, as well as expansions in Puerto Rico and Wisconsin.

 

US Senator Dave McCormick praised the investment: “This multi-billion dollar investment in the Lehigh Valley is a powerful testament to Pennsylvania's leadership in life sciences and advanced manufacturing. In addition to producing breakthrough medicines and treatments that will improve lives nationwide, Lilly's cutting-edge facility will create thousands of high-quality jobs for working families right here in the Lehigh Valley."