(Indianapolis, IN) – Governor Eric Holcomb joined Eli Lilly and Company Chair and CEO David A. Ricks to announce the Indianapolis-based company’s plans to more than double its investment at the LEAP Research and Innovation District in Lebanon.
The new $5.3 billion expansion brings Lilly’s total LEAP investment to $9 billion and will enhance Lilly’s capacity to manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) for its latest type 2 diabetes and obesity medicines.
That announcement was made at the Indiana Global Economic Summit on Friday.
“Lilly continues to play a transformational role in shaping Indiana’s opportunity economy, and I couldn’t be more proud about their pole position leadership in developing the LEAP Research and Innovation District in Lebanon, Indiana. Lilly has long been driving global innovation and economic growth that will be felt for decades here at home,” said Gov. Holcomb. “As an international company, headquartered in Indiana, Lilly had a world of options to consider before making this investment, and choosing Indiana once again reinforces the incredible environment we’ve cultivated and the talented workforce we have to carry Lilly’s success forward. I can’t wait to see the incredible benefits this investment leads to for patients around the world, knowing they were made in Indiana.”
In addition to the new, multi-billion-dollar investment, Lilly also committed to create another 200 new, full-time jobs for highly skilled workers, such as engineers, scientists, operating personnel and lab technicians, bringing the company’s total planned new jobs at LEAP to 900.
“Today’s announcement tops the largest manufacturing investment in our company’s history and, we believe, represents the single largest investment in synthetic medicine API manufacturing in U.S. history,” said Ricks. “This multi-site campus will make our latest medicines, support pipeline growth and leverage the latest technology and automation for maximum efficiency, safety and quality control. Importantly, we are investing in our home state of Indiana, creating high-wage, advanced manufacturing, engineering and science jobs for hundreds of current and future Hoosier families.”
Since breaking ground at LEAP in April 2023, Lilly has transformed a significant portion of its 600 acres at the site into an active construction site and expects to begin making medicines there in late 2026.
“We are excited about Eli Lilly and Company’s plan to expand their investment in Lebanon, reinforcing their role as a key community partner in driving future innovation and economic prosperity,” said Lebanon Mayor Matt Gentry. “Their investment underscores our shared commitment to creating greater opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for our residents and community.”
