Houston Daily

Eli Lilly and Company will build a new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Harris County, Texas. The announcement was made by Governor Greg Abbott during a press conference at Generation Park. The facility is expected to cover approximately 1 million square feet, with an investment of more than $6.5 billion and the creation of over 600 jobs.

The project has received support from the state through a Texas Enterprise Fund grant of $5.5 million and approval 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 site will focus on domestic production of next-generation small molecule synthetic medicines. According to officials, this represents the largest investment in API manufacturing in Texas so far. Lilly’s capital investment and job creation are reported to exceed initial commitments made during the incentive application process.

David A. Ricks, Chair and CEO of Lilly, said, "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 commented on the significance of this investment: "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." He also highlighted partnerships with McCord Development at Generation Park and San Jacinto College that have helped build an ecosystem supporting life science projects.

Sheldon Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Demetrius McCall welcomed Lilly's arrival: "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."

Greater Houston Partnership President Steve Kean noted: "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."

Governor Abbott was joined at the event by several local leaders including Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia; Representative Harold Dutton; Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis; Mayor John Whitmire; as well as public health advocates.

Further details about Eli Lilly can be found at their official website.