North Carolina Construction News staff writer
Global pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly & Co. has announced plans to expand its manufacturing plant under construction in the Raleigh-Durham area because of the rising demand for its diabetes drugs
“We’re on track to achieve the goal we shared in November 2022 of doubling capacity by the end of this year, but this investment is key to ensuring even more patients will have access to medicines they need in the future.”
Since 2020, Lilly has committed roughly $4 billion to new manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, including $1.7 billion for the development and expansion of its site at Research Triangle Park. The company says initial production at Research Triangle Park to begin this year, with preparations for inspections by the FDA ongoing.
Since 2014, Lilly has introduced 18 new medicines to make life better for people living with diseases like diabetes and cancer and aims to introduce several potential new medicines in 2023.
Expansion will play a pivotal role in delivering supply of existing Lilly medications, while preparing to bring the next generation of medicines to patients worldwide.
“When companies already in North Carolina choose to expand here, it reaffirms our status as the best state to do business,” Gov. Roy Cooper said in a statement. “Our strong communities and our dedicated, well-trained workforce will help Lilly continue to succeed.”
When fully operational in 2027, this phase of the project is expected to create at least 100 new jobs, primarily manufacturing personnel who will use advanced technology to produce incretin treatments and medical devices.