Eli Lilly and Company announced a planned investment of more than $1.2 billion to expand and modernize its Lilly del Caribe manufacturing site in Carolina, Puerto Rico. The expansion will integrate advanced manufacturing technologies and significantly increase production capacity to support Lilly’s growing portfolio of oral solid medicines in cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology.

The enhanced facility will play a key role in manufacturing orforglipron, Lilly’s first oral, small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, which the company expects to submit to global regulatory agencies for obesity treatment by the end of this year. This investment marks a major milestone in Lilly’s broader $50 billion capital commitment to expand U.S. manufacturing capabilities. It follows recent announcements of new sites in Texas and Virginia, with additional locations to be revealed soon.

“After sixty years, Lilly del Caribe continues to play a vital role in producing life-changing medicines for patients in the U.S. and around the world,” said Edgardo Hernandez, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. “Our ongoing investments in capacity, infrastructure, advanced technologies, and specialized talent will strengthen the site’s position within Lilly’s global manufacturing network. This progress reflects the dedication and expertise of our Puerto Rico team, who remain essential to delivering innovative medicines to patients worldwide.”

The upgraded facility will incorporate state-of-the-art oral solid medicine manufacturing technologies, including dock-to-dock automation, paperless manufacturing systems, process analytical technology, and spray-dried dispersion for enhanced oral medicine absorption.

Lilly estimates the project will generate up to 1,000 construction jobs and create 100 additional high-tech manufacturing roles. The company also remains committed to supporting local talent development through scholarships for students in engineering, science, technology, and business administration.

Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon praised the investment, stating, “This announcement reflects our vision to position Puerto Rico as a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and national economic security. Lilly’s multimillion-dollar expansion is a strong vote of confidence in our people, infrastructure, and long-term competitiveness within the U.S. supply chain.”

Sebastian Negron Reichard, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico, added, “For over six decades, Lilly has trusted Puerto Rico’s talent and potential. Today, that trust translates into new capacity, advanced technologies, and sustained economic value for our island. This historic investment showcases the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors and reinforces Puerto Rico’s standing as a global leader in life sciences manufacturing.”

Construction of the expanded oral solid medicine manufacturing facility is expected to begin in 2026, with production anticipated to start by the end of 2028.