Eli Lilly invests $1.2B in Puerto Rico, creating jobs and expanding site

Eli Lilly and Company has announced a substantial investment of over $1.2 billion to enhance its manufacturing site, Lilly del Caribe, in Carolina, Puerto Rico. This significant expansion will bring about the integration of cutting-edge technologies to bolster the production capabilities of its oral solid medicines, particularly in areas such as cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology.

This enhanced facility will also play a pivotal role in producing orforglipron, Lilly's inaugural oral, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist. Plans are in motion to submit this product to global regulatory agencies for obesity treatment by year's end. The expansion is part of Lilly's $50 billion capital investment strategy to strengthen its U.S. manufacturing presence, which includes upcoming projects in Texas and Virginia.

"After sixty years, Lilly del Caribe continues to play an important role in making life-changing medicines for people in the U.S. and beyond," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. "Our continued investments in capacity, infrastructure, advanced technologies and highly specialized jobs will further cement the site's significance in Lilly's global manufacturing network. Our progress builds on the dedication and expertise of our local team, helping us deliver new medicines for patients around the world."

The development will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies such as dock-to-dock automation and material flow, paperless manufacturing, and process analytical technology. These innovations are designed to enhance the effectiveness of oral medicine production. The project is poised to generate up to 1,000 construction jobs and an additional 100 high-tech manufacturing positions. In alignment with local economic growth, Lilly is also offering scholarships for students pursuing degrees in engineering, science, technology, and business administration.

Governor Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion for Puerto Rico, stating, "This announcement reflects the very essence of our public policy, which is to position Puerto Rico as a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing, innovation and national economic security." She views this development as a testament to Puerto Rico's capacity to support significant industrial growth.

Construction on the expanded facility is expected to commence in 2026, with production of new medicines slated to begin by the end of 2028.

For more details about Lilly and its initiatives, visit Lilly.com and Lilly.com/news.