Eli Lilly and Company has announced plans to build a new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Harris County, Texas. The facility will cover approximately 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.
The announcement was made during a press conference at Generation Park, with Governor Greg Abbott present. As part of the initiative, Eli Lilly will receive a $5.5 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF), and the project 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 Harris County site will focus on producing next-generation small molecule synthetic medicines domestically. According to officials, this marks the largest API manufacturing investment ever made in Texas. The company’s commitment surpasses its original pledges regarding capital investment and job creation during earlier stages of the incentive process.
David A. Ricks, Chair and CEO of Eli Lilly, commented: “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 highlighted local benefits: “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 have developed an ecosystem tailored for life science projects through workforce training programs at San Jacinto College as well as infrastructure provided by McCord Development at Generation Park.
Sheldon Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Demetrius McCall stated: “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.”
Steve Kean, President & CEO of Greater Houston Partnership added: “This is a transformative moment for the Houston region and our life sciences industry… The Lilly project represents one of the largest for-profit life sciences investments in Texas history.”
Governor Abbott was joined at this event by several officials including David Ricks; Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia; Representative Harold Dutton; Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis; Mayor John Whitmire; along with other local leaders.
Further information about Eli Lilly can be found on their website.
