Eli Lilly and Company announced plans to invest over $1.2 billion to expand and modernize its Lilly del Caribe manufacturing site in Carolina, Puerto Rico, significantly increasing its oral medicine production capacity in the United States. The expansion aims to integrate advanced technologies and enhance the company’s ability to manufacture a growing portfolio of oral solid medicines across therapeutic areas, including cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology.
The new facility will play a key role in producing orforglipron, Lilly’s first oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, which is expected to be submitted to global regulators for approval as an obesity treatment by the end of this year. This investment marks a crucial step in Lilly’s broader $50 billion capital expansion plan to scale its U.S. manufacturing capabilities. Alongside this development in Puerto Rico, the company has also announced new facilities in Texas and Virginia, with additional sites to be revealed in the coming months.
The project is expected to generate up to 1,000 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions in high-tech manufacturing. Lilly’s continued investment also aligns with its support for local bioscience talent, including scholarship programs for students in engineering, science, technology, and business administration.
Once complete, the upgraded facility will feature cutting-edge oral solid medicine manufacturing technologies, including dock-to-dock automation, paperless production, process analytical technology, and spray-dried dispersion —a method that enhances the absorption of oral medicines.
Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with production of new medicines anticipated to commence by the end of 2028.
KEY QUOTES:
“After sixty years, Lilly del Caribe continues to play an important role in making life-changing medicines for people in the U.S. and beyond. Our continued investments in capacity, infrastructure, advanced technologies and highly specialized jobs will further cement the site’s significance in Lilly’s global manufacturing network. Our progress builds on the dedication and expertise of our local team, helping us deliver new medicines for patients around the world.”
Edgardo Hernandez, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly Manufacturing Operations
“This announcement reflects the very essence of our public policy, which is to position Puerto Rico as a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing, innovation and national economic security. Lilly’s multimillion-dollar expansion is a resounding vote of confidence in our people, our infrastructure and our long-term competitiveness within the U.S. supply chain. It demonstrates that global companies can continue to grow and thrive here, while Puerto Rico contributes in a meaningful way to the resilience of the nation’s most critical industries.”
Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, Governor of Puerto Rico
“This historic investment stands as proof of what can be achieved when the private sector and government work hand in hand toward a shared vision of competitiveness and economic growth. For over sixty years, Lilly has trusted Puerto Rico, its people, its talent and its potential. Today, that trust translates into new capacity, advanced technologies, investment and long-term economic value for our island. This is exactly the kind of partnership that defines our economic development strategy and strengthens Puerto Rico’s position as a global leader in life sciences manufacturing.”
Sebastian Negron Reichard, Secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, Puerto Rico
