Eli Lilly to expand manufacturing with $1bn investment in Ireland to boost Alzheimer’s drug production

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) has announced a substantial $1 billion investment to expand its Limerick, Ireland, manufacturing site, which will increase the production of biologic active ingredients, including those for its newly approved treatment for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Simultaneously, the company unveiled a new $800 million facility expansion in Kinsale, Ireland, which began producing medicines last year to meet the rising demand for Lilly’s diabetes and obesity treatments.

These investments are part of Eli Lilly’s most ambitious manufacturing expansion agenda to date. Since 2020, the company has committed more than $20 billion to building, expanding, and acquiring manufacturing facilities across the United States and Europe.

Limerick Expansion to Boost Production of Biologic Medicines

The new investment will bring Lilly’s total investment in Limerick to $2 billion, doubling the commitment announced in March 2023. The expansion will incorporate advanced technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and automated robotics, enabling right-first-time execution to ensure the safe and reliable supply of medicines. The Limerick site, which was initially announced in 2022, broke ground in March 2023 and is on track to begin producing biologic active ingredients for Lilly medicines by 2026.

Eli Lilly plans to create 150 new jobs for highly skilled workers in Limerick, including engineers, scientists, quality assurance professionals, and operations personnel, bringing the total workforce to 450 employees. The Limerick investment project is subject to planning approval, with a planning application to be submitted to the Limerick City and County Council soon.

“Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating diagnosis for both the patient and for their loved ones, along with having a huge burden on society,” said Anne E. White, executive vice president and president of Lilly Neuroscience. “The treatments we will make here in Limerick offer the potential to be able to slow the progression of the disease and make life better for millions of people around the world.”

Kinsale Facility Expansion to Support Diabetes and Obesity Treatments

The newly unveiled $800 million expansion of the Kinsale, Ireland, facility is aimed at meeting the growing global demand for Lilly’s diabetes and obesity medications. The Kinsale site has already begun manufacturing and employs a digital-first process that integrates continuous manufacturing technology, creating a new platform for producing complex peptides. This state-of-the-art facility was recently awarded the Innovation category in the “Facility of the Year” awards by the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers.

The expansion in Kinsale and Limerick demonstrates Eli Lilly’s dedication to addressing major global health issues. “These investments will boost the production of some of our medicines, helping millions of people with diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer’s disease live the healthiest lives possible,” said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations.

Ireland: A Hub for Pharmaceutical Innovation

Ireland has been a strategic hub for Eli Lilly due to its skilled workforce, regulatory environment, and pro-innovation government policies. Lilly has maintained a presence in Ireland for nearly fifty years, and the company’s Global Business Solutions center in Cork has significantly grown, quadrupling employment levels since 2019, with over 2,000 employees expected by the end of 2024.

Commitment to Sustainability

Eli Lilly’s expansion in Ireland is also marked by a strong commitment to sustainability. The new Limerick site will operate with 35% lower energy intensity, use 40% less water, and generate 15% less waste than traditional biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes. In Kinsale, Lilly boasts the largest privately owned solar farm in the Republic of Ireland, spanning 26 acres and powering a significant portion of the facility.

Eli Lilly’s continued investments in Ireland’s manufacturing capacity reflect the company’s strategy to ensure a steady supply of its critical medicines while committing to sustainable growth practices.