Eli Lilly and Company has announced plans to build an active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing facility in Harris County, Texas. The facility will cover about 1 million square feet and represents an investment of over $6.5 billion by the company. According to state officials, this project is expected to create more than 600 new jobs.
Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the significance of this investment for Texas’ manufacturing sector. “Texas is the best state in America for doing business,” said Governor Abbott. “This announcement by Lilly will boost pharmaceutical manufacturing in the state of Texas and ensure that we do not rely on other countries for the manufacturing and supply of medicines and medical supplies. Texas is doing its part to bring manufacturing capacity back to America and expanding biomedical manufacturing right here in our great state.”
The new site will focus on producing next-generation small molecule synthetic medicines domestically. State leaders noted that this marks the largest investment in API manufacturing within Texas so far, with Eli Lilly exceeding its original commitments regarding capital expenditure and job creation during the incentive application process.
Lilly received a $5.5 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF), and the project was approved under the state’s Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program.
David A. Ricks, Chair and CEO of Eli Lilly, said: “Our new U.S. manufacturing facilities are more than just an investment in infrastructure —they’re a commitment to American innovation, onshoring jobs, economic growth, and public health. By expanding our domestic footprint, we’re strengthening our supply chain, reducing reliance on overseas production, and accelerating the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients. This is a win for Lilly, a win for American workers, and most importantly, a win for the communities and patients we serve.”
Local leaders welcomed Lilly’s decision as beneficial both economically and socially for Harris County residents. Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis stated: “Lilly’s decision to invest more than $6.5 billion in Harris County is a powerful testament to the strength of our community and its ability to support lifesaving work in the life sciences and create living wage jobs and equitable economic opportunities for working families in Harris County.” He also noted that local partners such as McCord Development at Generation Park and San Jacinto College have contributed to building an ecosystem tailored for life science projects.
Education leaders also expressed optimism about future opportunities resulting from this partnership with Eli Lilly. Sheldon Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Demetrius McCall commented: “Sheldon Independent School District (ISD) is proud to welcome Lilly to our community,” adding that it represents “a shared commitment to innovation, education, and opportunity.”
Steve Kean, President & CEO of Greater Houston Partnership remarked: “This is a transformative moment for the Houston region and our life sciences industry,” describing it as one of Texas’ largest private investments in life sciences.
The announcement event included participation from several public officials including Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia; Representative Harold Dutton; Mayor John Whitmire; Commissioner Rodney Ellis; David Ricks; as well as other local representatives.
