Lilly breaks ground in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley on a $3.5 billion site to make next-generation obesity medicines, the latest of 10 new U.S. sites since 2020

David A. Ricks, Chair and CEO of Lilly

“Obesity is one of the biggest health challenges of our time, and the science to treat it is moving quickly. Retatrutide is one of several next-generation medicines we're developing that could help millions more people living with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or both. This $3.5 billion investment means we'll be able to make these medicines in Pennsylvania for people here at home and around the world.”

Josh Shapiro, Governor of Pennsylvania

“Today marks another historic milestone in Pennsylvania's thriving life sciences sector and reinforces my Administration's commitment to advancing innovation, strengthening the economy, and creating good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth. We secured this historic, life-changing investment thanks to Pennsylvania's world-class workforce, research institutions, infrastructure, and resources, and my Administration will continue working hard to ensure Pennsylvania remains a place where groundbreaking discoveries can translate into meaningful economic opportunities and results for patients and families.”

Edgardo Hernandez, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly Manufacturing Operations

“Before a dose of medicine leaves one of our sites, each production run goes through more than 5,000 documented steps and each unit is imaged and inspected more than 70 times to check for defects. These are just a few examples of the quality control we take to protect our patients. Lehigh Valley will build on that discipline with next-generation automation and digital systems, so we can do things right the first time and help patients count on their medicines for years to come, made in Pennsylvania.”

Jeff Fleischaker, Chairman of Upper Macungie Township Board of Supervisors

“We are thrilled to be able to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Lilly facility in Upper Macungie Township. The Board of Supervisors, staff and residents of Upper Macungie are excited to welcome Lilly to our community. We are all looking forward to seeing what we can do, together, to make every day better in Upper Macungie.”

Dave McCormick, U.S. Senator

“Lilly's $3.5 billion investment in the Lehigh Valley is another major win for Pennsylvania, bringing 850 high-paying jobs, strengthening American manufacturing, and cementing the Commonwealth's position as a leader in life sciences and innovation. When I talk about building a pro-growth environment in Pennsylvania, this is the type of investment I am working to attract.”