By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : September 17, 2025 2:55 pm
This marks the first of four new U.S. manufacturing sites that Lilly plans to announce this year
Eli Lilly and Company announced that it plans to build a $5 billion manufacturing facility just west of Richmond, Virginia, in Goochland County. The new site will be the company's first dedicated, fully integrated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and drug product facility for Lilly's emerging bioconjugate platform and monoclonal antibody portfolio.
Earlier this year, at a press conference in Washington, D.C., Lilly announced plans to bolster its domestic medicine production across therapeutic areas by building four new pharmaceutical manufacturing sites in the United States. The planned Virginia facility is the first to be announced and is part of the company's $50 billion in U.S. capital expansion commitments since 2020. At this site, Lilly will also boost its domestic manufacturing of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
"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."
Expected to be completed within the next five years, the manufacturing site will bring more than 650 new high-paying jobs to Virginia, including highly skilled engineers, scientists, operations personnel and lab technicians. The project is anticipated to bring 1,800 construction jobs to the region and greatly benefit the local economy.
"Lilly is one of the world's great innovators, and I want to thank them for this significant commitment to Virginia," said Governor Glenn Youngkin. "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 use advanced technologies such as machine learning, AI and automated systems at the site. This will enable right-first-time execution, all in support of the safe and reliable supply of medicines.
"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."