US-based medicine company Eli Lilly to invest $3B in a new manufacturing facility in the Netherlands to expand production and create jobs.
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Indiana-based Eli Lilly and Company, a medicine company, announced plans to invest $3B (nearly €2.60B) in a new manufacturing facility in Katwijk, the Netherlands, within the Leiden Bio Science Park.
The site will increase Lilly’s production capacity for oral medicines and reinforce its global supply chain. The facility will use advanced manufacturing systems to support the company’s expanding range of oral solid medicines in cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology.
It will also include dock-to-dock automation, paperless operations, process analytical technology, and spray-dried dispersion, a method that helps improve the absorption of oral medicines.
Vincent Karremans, minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, says, “I’m truly proud that Lilly has chosen the Netherlands, Katwijk and the Leiden Bio Science Park after considering many locations across Europe.”
“The arrival of Lilly will not only bring new jobs and investments but also boost collaboration in the field of innovative medicines, helping us work together on solutions that truly improve people’s health and lives.”
New facility in the Netherlands to create 500 jobs
Lilly announced that its new manufacturing site in Katwijk, the Netherlands, will bring significant employment opportunities to the South Holland region. The company plans to create 500 permanent positions and about 1,500 construction jobs as part of the $3B investment.
The permanent roles will include engineers, scientists, lab technicians, and operations staff. These employees will work with advanced manufacturing systems to produce medicines, including orforglipron, Lilly’s first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Construction is expected to begin next year, pending government and local approvals. The project will also support local contractors, suppliers, and service providers, contributing to the regional economy.
Lilly stated that the new site reflects its long-term plan to expand production capacity in Europe. The company already employs workers at four manufacturing locations in France, Ireland, Italy, and Spain and continues to build its presence with new sites in Ireland, Germany, and now the Netherlands.
The investment strengthens Lilly’s operational base in Europe and supports ongoing growth in medicine production and employment across the region.
David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO, says, “With extensive investments already underway in the US, our planned expansion in Europe further strengthens our ability to deliver medicines to patients worldwide. Localised manufacturing ensures we can quickly respond to meet regional demand and accelerate distribution within Europe.”
“Leiden Bio Science Park offers access to a skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure and proven pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. We look forward to working closely with the EU, national and local governments to create a more favourable and predictable policy environment open to fully harnessing innovative medicines to deliver faster access to patients.”
Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations, adds, “At Lilly, we are investing in next-generation manufacturing facilities around the world to ensure our medicines are made and distributed closer to the communities and patients we serve. Expanding our capabilities in Europe strengthens our global supply chain and reflects our commitment to getting innovative treatments to patients who need them.”
“Additionally, with each new facility we are building, we find ways to continue to minimise our environmental footprint – assuring carbon neutrality in our operations and generating zero waste to landfills.”
Lilly plans to increase its production capacity by enlarging its site in Puerto Rico and constructing new facilities in Texas and Virginia. It also intends to identify two additional US sites in the near future.
Brief about Lilly
Lilly is a medicine producer focused on turning scientific research into treatments that improve health worldwide. For nearly 150 years, Lilly has developed discoveries that now reach millions of people across many countries.
The company’s research draws on biotechnology, chemistry, and genetic medicine to develop new therapies for major health conditions.
Its work includes efforts to improve diabetes treatment, address obesity and its long-term effects, develop medicines for Alzheimer’s disease, create treatments for immune system disorders, and manage difficult cancers.
Lilly also conducts clinical trials designed to represent a wide range of populations and works to make its medicines accessible and affordable. Through continued research and collaboration, the company aims to expand access to healthcare and support better outcomes for people globally.
