Eli Lilly plans $1.6b in more investment

Eli Lilly and Company, the US-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, is planning to invest an additional $1.6 billion and create 200 new jobs in two new pharmaceutical manufacturing sites in Boone County, Indiana. This new investment brings Eli Lilly’s total investment to $3.7 billion and up to 700 new jobs at LEAP Innovation Park in Indiana, which is the company’s largest manufacturing investment at a single location in its history. These new facilities will expand the company’s manufacturing network for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and advance next-generation therapeutic modalities, such as genetic medicines.

The company is recruiting for various roles, including engineers, operating personnel, and lab technicians, to help create innovative medicines using advanced technology. Eli Lilly will also provide $15 million over a five-year period to fund up to 1,000 scholarships in pharmaceutical manufacturing through the Ivy Tech Foundation. This initiative will support individuals interested in pursuing two-year degrees or certificates in manufacturing, quality, or related fields. Students will also be able to access a smart manufacturing lab.

Edgardo Hernandez, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly Manufacturing Operations, said that these announcements “demonstrate the strong collaboration between industry, academia and government in Indiana.” He also said that the company is looking to grow life sciences education in the region and develop local talent to fill the new jobs created through its recent investments.

Eli Lilly has committed $6.4 billion in US-based manufacturing sites in the past three years. In March 2023, the company announced that it would invest $1 billion in a new biologics manufacturing facility based in Ireland. Additionally, Eli Lilly stated in 2022 that it would contribute $42.5 million to Purdue University over the next decade through a new pharmaceutical manufacturing scholarship program. This investment highlights Eli Lilly’s continued commitment to advancing healthcare through innovation and education.