Eli Lilly to Invest $5 Billion in New Virginia Manufacturing Plant
Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly announced Tuesday that it will invest $5 billion to build a new manufacturing facility in Virginia. This site will be the first of four new U.S. plants aimed at expanding domestic production and reducing exposure to potential drug tariffs.
Global pharma companies have stepped up U.S. investment after President Donald Trump urged the industry to produce more medicines domestically rather than relying on imported ingredients and finished products. Trump has said initial pharma tariffs could be small but may rise as high as 250% to boost American manufacturing.
Earlier this year, Lilly unveiled plans to spend at least $27 billion on four new U.S. sites to offset potential import duties. Since 2020, the company has committed $50 billion in capital expansion projects.
The new facility in Goochland County, Virginia, will focus on producing active pharmaceutical ingredients for cancer, autoimmune, and other advanced therapies. It will also increase Lilly’s capacity to manufacture antibody-drug conjugates, a cutting-edge class of cancer treatments. The plant is expected to be completed within five years.
“By expanding our domestic capacity, we are building a secure, resilient supply chain,” said Lilly CEO David Ricks.
The Virginia plant will create more than 650 permanent jobs for engineers, scientists, and other skilled workers, as well as 1,800 construction jobs. Lilly also plans to reveal the locations of the other three U.S. plants later this year, with all four expected to begin production within five years.
