Eli Lilly and Company has announced plans to build a large active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Harris County, Texas. The new site will cover about 1 million square feet and represents an investment of more than $6.5 billion by the company. The project is expected to create over 600 new jobs in the area.
Governor Greg Abbott made the announcement at Generation Park, noting that Lilly received a $5.5 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF). The initiative has also been approved under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program.
“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 facility will focus on producing next-generation small molecule synthetic medicines domestically. According to officials, this marks the largest investment in API manufacturing within Texas so far. Eli Lilly’s commitment exceeds its original plans regarding capital investment and job creation during the incentive application process.
David A. Ricks, Chair and CEO of Eli Lilly, stated: “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.”
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis commented: “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 highlighted local partnerships with McCord Development at Generation Park and San Jacinto College as key contributors to building an ecosystem tailored for life science projects.
Sheldon Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Demetrius McCall added: “Sheldon Independent School District (ISD) is proud to welcome Lilly to our community… Together, we will empower our students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in a global workforce.”
Greater Houston Partnership President Steve Kean described it as “a transformative moment” for both Houston’s region and its life sciences industry: “The Lilly project represents one of the largest for-profit life sciences investments in Texas history… This win reflects years of strategic work by partners across the public and private sectors…”
The event was attended by several local leaders including Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia; Representative Harold Dutton; Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis; Mayor John Whitmire; as well as other officials.
Further information about Eli Lilly can be found at their official website.
