Eli Lilly invests $5 billion to expand production capacity in Virginia

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its domestic production capabilities, Eli Lilly, a prominent pharmaceutical company, has announced a $5 billion investment in a new manufacturing facility located in Virginia. This state-of-the-art facility, situated just west of Richmond in Goochland County, is designed to address the growing demand for targeted cancer drugs and other advanced medical treatments. The announcement, made on September 16, 2025, reveals that this investment marks an expansion from the company's original plan of a $2.1 billion facility that would have created 468 jobs. The newly proposed facility is anticipated to create over 650 high-wage jobs in various fields, including engineering science, operations, and laboratory technology. Additionally, approximately 1,800 construction jobs will be generated during the facility's construction phase. This expansion reflects Eli Lilly's ongoing commitment to bolster U.S. innovation and manufacturing while enhancing the strength of America's pharmaceutical supply chain, especially in light of recent tariff threats from the Trump administration. Eli Lilly's decision to invest in Virginia aligns with the company’s broader strategy to increase domestic manufacturing capabilities as pharmaceutical companies face increasing pressure to minimize foreign reliance for drug production. In response to the potential for significant tariffs on drug imports, Lilly had announced earlier plans to invest at least $27 billion across four new manufacturing sites in the U.S. This expansion continuity emphasizes the organization’s dedication to adapting to evolving economic conditions and regulatory frameworks that aim to foster domestic manufacturing. David A. Ricks, the chair and CEO of Eli Lilly, expressed the company's goal of creating a secure and resilient supply chain that meets the needs of patients today while preparing for breakthrough medicines of tomorrow. The Virginia facility will not only contribute to the production of cancer medications but also play a role in developing active pharmaceutical ingredients for autoimmune diseases and other complex therapies, further solidifying Eli Lilly's prominent position in the pharmaceutical landscape.