By Fineline Cube 
Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) announced plans to construct a $5 billion manufacturing complex just west of Richmond in Goochland County. The new site will be the company’s first fully integrated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and drug‑product plant dedicated to its emerging bioconjugate platform and monoclonal‑antibody portfolio, which spans oncology, autoimmune disease, and other advanced therapies.
Part of a $50 B U.S. Expansion Play
Earlier this year, Lilly disclosed a commitment to build four new domestic pharmaceutical facilities as part of a $50 billion U.S. capital‑expenditure program launched in 2020. The Virginia plant is the first of the four announced sites, with plans to unveil the remaining three later in 2025. All four facilities are slated to begin production within five years, reinforcing Lilly’s strategy to strengthen domestic supply chains for high‑complexity biologics.
Workforce & Economic Impact
The Virginia project is expected to create more than 650 high‑paying jobs—engineers, scientists, operations staff, and lab technicians—alongside ≈1,800 construction positions during the build‑out. Local officials anticipate substantial economic benefits, from increased tax revenue to expanded demand for housing and services.
Cutting‑Edge Technology
Lilly will embed advanced digital tools across the new plant, leveraging machine learning, artificial intelligence, and automated manufacturing systems to enhance yield, reduce variability, and accelerate time‑to‑market for antibody‑drug conjugates (ADCs) and other bioconjugates.
Looking Ahead
“The Virginia facility will not only bolster Lilly’s bioconjugate and antibody‑drug conjugate capabilities but also position the company to meet evolving patient needs with faster, more reliable supply chains,” said Eli Lilly CEO. The company remains focused on deploying next‑generation manufacturing technologies across its U.S. portfolio to sustain its competitive edge in the biologics market.-Fineline Info & Tech