INDIANAPOLIS — Eli Lilly and Company plans to invest over $3.5 billion in a new injectable medicine and device manufacturing facility in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, expanding its U.S. manufacturing network to support next-generation weight-loss therapies, including retatrutide, a first-in-class investigational GIP, GLP-1, and glucagon triple hormone receptor agonist.
The Fogelsville, Pennsylvania, site will be Lilly’s newest facility for injectable medicines and devices, and it will be the company’s 10th manufacturing site in the U.S., announced since 2020, as well as the fourth since February 2025. Construction is expected to start in 2026, with the facility planned to be operational by 2031.
“Our mission starts with patients and delivering the medicines they need. To meet increasing demand, we’re expanding our U.S. manufacturing network, with Lehigh Valley adding capacity for next-generation weight-loss medicines. We’re creating high-quality jobs and collaborating across the region—with suppliers, educators, and workforce-development partners—to make critical medicines in the U.S. That’s our commitment—to patients, to our new Pennsylvania home and to our country,” said David A. Ricks, chair and CEO.
Lilly said the project will create 850 permanent, high-value jobs, including engineers, scientists, operations staff, and lab technicians, while construction is expected to generate about 2,000 additional jobs. The company estimates that for each dollar invested, up to four dollars in local economic activity could be produced, along with further employment growth in supply chain, logistics, and retail sectors.
“When we announced our Economic Development Strategy here in the Lehigh Valley two years ago, we set out to win historic, life-changing deals like the one we’re announcing with Lilly today. Before I took office, Pennsylvania wasn’t even in the conversation for major investments like this, but thanks to our work to cut red tape, invest in site development, and expand our workforce, our Commonwealth is now competing—and winning—on a national scale. Lilly’s commitment to the Lehigh Valley and to Pennsylvania will bring billions of dollars of investment and hundreds of good-paying jobs, solidifying our position as a leader in the growing life sciences industry,” said Governor Josh Shapiro.
According to the company, the Lehigh Valley site was selected from more than 300 candidate locations based on factors including proximity to STEM universities, an established technical manufacturing base, existing infrastructure, access to utilities and transportation, and favorable zoning and incentive conditions.
“Lilly Lehigh Valley—our newest injectable medicine and device manufacturing facility—will increase access to next-generation weight-loss treatments and improve the domestic supply of essential medicines for current and future patients. Our investment here is more than just building a facility—it’s about building a shared future with the people and communities of the Commonwealth. Through meaningful partnerships in Pennsylvania, we’re committed to fostering collaboration, driving innovation, advancing environmental stewardship, and creating lasting positive impact that extends far beyond our facility walls,” said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations.
Federal lawmakers also welcomed the announcement.
“This multi-billion dollar investment in the Lehigh Valley is a powerful testament to Pennsylvania’s leadership in life sciences and advanced manufacturing. In addition to producing breakthrough medicines and treatments that will improve lives nationwide, Lilly’s cutting-edge facility will create thousands of high-quality jobs for working families right here in the Lehigh Valley, proving once again that Pennsylvania’s skilled workforce and manufacturing heritage remain unmatched. I am grateful for the continued partnership with the Governor and his team in bringing transformational investments to Pennsylvania. This is American manufacturing at its best, and Pennsylvania is proud to lead the charge,” said U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick.
“Pennsylvania continues to be a leader in health care innovation, and I will always support companies like Lilly making major investments to advance these technologies. I am proud to support their new $3.5B manufacturing facility that will deliver hundreds of good jobs and produce critical medicine for our Commonwealth,” said U.S. Sen. John Fetterman.
“We are pleased to welcome Eli Lilly to the Lehigh Valley as part of its commitment to investing in America. Having modern, robust pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities here in the United States is essential for both our national security and domestic economy. We are proud to see Eli Lilly making this investment here in the Lehigh Valley, where it will contribute to our prosperity and build on our historic manufacturing tradition. Because of the hard work of our local communities, the Lehigh Valley continues to be a hub for industry and investment,” said Rep. Ryan Mackenzie.
Lilly said the Pennsylvania investment is part of a broader U.S. manufacturing expansion that now totals more than $50 billion since 2020, including new sites, site expansions, and acquisitions across multiple states and Puerto Rico, as well as development of the Lilly Medicine Foundry in Indiana.
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