Eli Lilly and Company will build a new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Harris County, Texas, according to an announcement by Governor Greg Abbott. The project, located at Generation Park, represents an investment of more than $6.5 billion and is expected to create over 600 jobs in the region. The planned facility will cover about 1 million square feet.
The state has awarded Lilly a Texas Enterprise Fund grant of $5.5 million, and the initiative is approved under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program.
Governor Abbott stated: “Texas is the best state in America for doing business. 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 new Harris County site will focus on domestic production of next-generation small molecule synthetic medicines. This marks the largest investment in API manufacturing in Texas so far. The company’s commitment now exceeds its initial promises regarding capital investment and job creation during the incentive application process.
David A. Ricks, Lilly Chair and CEO, 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 said: “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. Harris County is unmatched for its speed to market, world-class infrastructure, and exceptional workforce. Harris County, along with partners at McCord Development in Generation Park and San Jacinto College, have built an ecosystem that is purposefully designed for life science projects—offering best-in-class infrastructure, workforce training, and a community environment that connects innovation with quality of life.”
Sheldon ISD Superintendent Dr. Demetrius McCall noted: “Sheldon Independent School District (ISD) is proud to welcome Lilly to our community. This partnership represents a shared commitment to innovation, education, and opportunity. Together, we will empower our students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in a global workforce.”
Steve Kean from 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 and is a powerful endorsement of Houston’s growing position as a global hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical excellence. This win reflects years of strategic work by partners across the public and private sectors to build the talent, infrastructure, and business environment needed to attract world-class companies like Lilly.”
Governor Abbott was joined at the event by David Ricks; Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia; Representative Harold Dutton; Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis; Mayor John Whitmire; as well as local officials and public health advocates.
Further details about Eli Lilly can be found at their official website.
