Eli Lilly Allocates Billion for New Injectable Drug Production Plant
In a move to enhance its injectable product output, including its diabetes and obesity medications Mounjaro and Zepbound, Eli Lilly is set to expand a recently acquired manufacturing facility in Wisconsin.
The company has unveiled plans for a billion expansion of its Kenosha County facility, driven by a surging demand for its diabetes and obesity treatments, as well as upcoming products in other therapeutic fields.
Earlier this year, Eli Lilly completed the acquisition of this Wisconsin site from Nexus Pharmaceuticals, a firm known for its specialty and generic drug production.
This expansion is anticipated to generate 750 new high-skilled positions, adding to the current workforce of more than 100 employees. Construction of the extension is slated to commence next year.
Current and Upcoming Pharmaceutical Pipeline
“This announcement constitutes our most significant US manufacturing investment outside of Indiana. It significantly boosts our capacity to manufacture our existing and future pipeline of drugs right here in the Midwest,” stated Edgardo Hernandez, executive VP and president of manufacturing operations at Eli Lilly.
“We are excited to introduce high-wage, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and scientific roles to the Wisconsin workforce, a region that is becoming increasingly vital in our global manufacturing strategy,” he further noted.
With the combined acquisition and facility expansion efforts, Eli Lilly will be investing a total of billion. The facility will employ automation technologies to enhance data handling and drug production, focusing on injectable medicines, device assembly, and packaging.
“Wisconsin stands as a tech hub within the US, recognized for its leadership in personalized medicine and biohealth. Our collaboration with Lilly is set to promote ongoing research and innovation while strengthening the manufacturing landscape in the state, ultimately benefiting workers, families, and patients,” remarked Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers.
Manufacturing Strategy Overview
The enhancement of the Wisconsin facility aligns with a broader manufacturing strategy initiated by Eli Lilly in 2020.
Since that time, the company has allocated over billion to the acquisition, construction, and enhancement of manufacturing sites globally. Part of this strategy included the opening of a new facility in North Carolina in June this year, which is also designated for producing injectable products and devices. This facility received a significant billion investment, with construction having started in 2022.