Lilly commits $3bn to Wisconsin facility to boost injectable medicine production

Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) has unveiled plans for a $3 billion expansion of its newly acquired manufacturing facility in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, signalling a significant boost in its capacity to produce injectable medicines. This development is poised to create 750 high-wage, highly skilled jobs, adding to the 100-strong workforce currently at the site, while also contributing to thousands of construction roles during the project’s development phase.

The investment will focus on advanced automation technologies and enhance Lilly’s ability to produce diabetes, obesity, and pipeline medicines across multiple therapeutic areas. The site will integrate cutting-edge robotics, guided vehicles, and digital automation to streamline production, ensuring greater accuracy and efficiency. This ambitious expansion also aligns with the company’s broader strategy to bolster global manufacturing capabilities, with over $23 billion committed to facility expansions and acquisitions since 2020.

Strategic focus on Midwest manufacturing growth

Lilly’s executive vice president, Edgardo Hernandez, described the project as the company’s largest U.S. manufacturing investment outside Indiana, highlighting Wisconsin’s growing importance in the biopharmaceutical sector. He noted that the initiative would not only enhance production capacity but also cement the Midwest’s position as a hub for personalised medicine and pharmaceutical innovation.

The Kenosha facility will specialise in manufacturing injectable medicines, device assembly, and packaging for an expanded portfolio of treatments. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers praised the expansion, calling it a testament to the state’s emergence as a U.S. Regional Tech Hub for biohealth and personalised medicine. He emphasised how the initiative aligns with Wisconsin’s goals of fostering innovation and supporting workers, families, and patients globally.

Investing in community and education partnerships

Eli Lilly plans to collaborate with local higher education institutions to advance pharmaceutical manufacturing research and innovation. The company will also support community initiatives in Wisconsin, further embedding itself in the local economy. With this expansion, Lilly’s total planned investment in Wisconsin now reaches $4 billion, including land acquisitions and infrastructure improvements.

As Lilly’s pipeline of innovative medicines grows, the Kenosha site is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting the rising demand for advanced therapies. By embracing automation and fostering local partnerships, the company aims to set new standards in manufacturing while providing economic opportunities in the region.