Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

Lilly to Invest $3 Billion in New Netherlands Facility for Oral Medicine Production

Key highlights
  • Lilly plans a $3 billion facility in Katwijk, Netherlands.
  • Construction is expected to begin next year.
  • The site will produce orforglipron, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
  • 1,500 jobs will be created during construction.

Investment and Location

Eli Lilly and Company plans to invest $3 billion in a new manufacturing facility in Katwijk, Netherlands, within the Leiden Bio Science Park. This project aims to expand Lilly's capacity for producing oral medicines and enhance its global supply chain.

Technological Advancements

The facility will feature advanced manufacturing technologies, including dock-to-dock automation, paperless manufacturing, process analytical technology, and spray-dried dispersion. These innovations will support Lilly's growing portfolio in cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology.

Orforglipron Production

The new site will manufacture orforglipron, Lilly's first oral, small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist. The company plans to submit orforglipron to global regulatory agencies for obesity by the end of the year.

Job Creation and Construction

The project will create 500 high-wage jobs in South Holland, including roles for engineers, scientists, operations personnel, and lab technicians. An estimated 1,500 jobs will be generated during the construction phase, which is expected to start next year. The investment is contingent upon finalizing government permits and local approvals.