Eli Lilly breaks ground on $5 billion integrated ADC manufacturing plant in Virginia

Eli Lilly announced the start of construction on a new facility in Goochland County, Virginia, costing $5 billion. The plant will be the first to combine active pharmaceutical ingredient and finished‑medicine production in a fully integrated site and will focus on antibody‑drug conjugates. It is expected to create 650 high‑wage jobs and about 1,800 construction jobs, and the company pledged $40 million to a state‑wide training network for pharmaceutical manufacturing. CEO David A. Ricks said the investment enables the company to make advanced cancer treatments in the United States.

The $5 billion capital outlay expands Lilly’s manufacturing capacity for high‑margin ADC therapies, which could enhance future earnings. The $40 million training commitment aims to secure a skilled workforce for the new plant, supporting long‑term operational reliability.

  • 1The investment totals $5 billion.
  • 2The facility will create 650 high‑wage jobs.
  • 3Approximately 1,800 construction jobs will be generated during the build phase.
  • 4It will be Lilly’s first fully integrated site producing both active pharmaceutical ingredients and finished medicines.
  • 5Lilly committed $40 million to the Virginia Center for Advanced Pharmaceutical Manufacturing training network.
  • 6David A. Ricks, Lilly Chair and CEO, said the $5 billion investment allows the company to make the medicines in America.

Sources