Lilly Puts $1.8 Million Into Manufacturing Site Expansion

Eli Lilly and Co. has announced a $1 billion expansion of its Limerick, Ireland, manufacturing site to increase production of biologic active ingredients, including those for its recently approved treatment for early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease.

The company also unveiled its new $800 million facility expansion in Kinsale, Ireland, which began producing medicine last year to meet demand for Lilly's latest diabetes and obesity treatments.

Since 2020, Lilly has committed more than $20 billion to build, expand and acquire manufacturing facilities in the US and Europe. This additional investment is part of the most ambitious manufacturing expansion agenda in the company's history.

"These investments will boost the production of some of our medicines, helping millions of people with diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer's disease live the healthiest lives possible," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. He added that the facilities will also be equipped to support its pipeline molecules of the future.

Limerick Plant Focus

Once complete, Limerick will join Lilly's global manufacturing network producing the biologic active ingredients for the company's Alzheimer's disease portfolio and other biologic medicines.

"The treatments we will make here in Limerick offer the potential to be able to slow the progression of the disease and make life better for millions of people around the world," said Anne E. White, executive vice president and president of Lilly Neuroscience.

Advanced technologies such as machine learning, AI, and automated robotics and systems at the site will enable right-first-time execution, all in support of the safe and reliable supply of medicines. As a part of this expansion, Lilly will create another 150 jobs for highly skilled workers in Limerick such as engineers, scientists, quality assurance professionals and operations personnel, for a total of 450 employees. 

Lilly broke ground at the Limerick site in March 2023, and the production of biologic active ingredients for medicines is on track to start in 2026.