Lilly to invest $850 million in US capital projects in 2017

Significant investment in manufacturing diabetes medicines continues with new $85 million commitment in Indianapolis.

Company leaders were joined by federal, state and local government officials at Lilly Technology Center, where the details of the investments were unveiled, including plans for a new $85 million expansion of its Trulicity (dulaglutide) device assembly operations in the US. This expansion is part of a massive 5-year investment by the company to expand its diabetes products manufacturing operations in the US, which also includes a $140 million insulin cartridge production facility that was officially dedicated at today's announcement. 

David A. Ricks, Lilly's president and CEO, said that Lilly's potential for growth and its long-standing commitment to the US market led to its decision to invest in its US operations and expand its manufacturing footprint in Indianapolis.

"Our future at Lilly is bright, as we're on a path to launch 20 new products in a 10-year time frame," Ricks said. "As we have for our entire 140-year history, we continue to see Indiana and the US as attractive places to research and make the medicines that we sell around the world."

Ricks explained that Lilly's $850 million investment will fund both projects that are already underway as well as new projects that will be initiated throughout the course of the year, including additional projects in Indianapolis.

Diabetes products manufacturing investment

Company officials focused much of today's announcement around its massive investment in diabetes products manufacturing. Over the course of the last five years (2012-2016), Lilly has invested approximately $1.1 billion to boost its diabetes products manufacturing operations in the U.S. These investments include upgrades to existing facilities, as well as the addition of new capacity and capabilities based on the evolution of the company's diabetes pipeline and portfolio and the increased prevalence of the disease.

During this period, Lilly has increased its US manufacturing workforce by more than 1,000 employees — from 5,000 to 6,000 roles — with approximately 400 added in Indianapolis.

"More than 400 million people around the world have diabetes — and that includes approximately 30 million people in the US alone," said Enrique Conterno, president, Lilly Diabetes and Lilly USA. "Lilly has spent more than 90 years providing solutions to people with diabetes, and today's announcement extends the deep commitment of our heritage. This manufacturing expansion, along with the introduction of several other new treatments over the last two and a half years, will allow Lilly to continue to be a leader in diabetes care."

Conterno added that the new investments underscore Lilly's diabetes manufacturing presence in Indianapolis. Lilly's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Indianapolis is part of the company's nine-decade legacy of producing insulin.

"In addition to providing the capacity necessary for the safe and reliable supply of medicines to patients, these investments have allowed us to add US manufacturing jobs," said Maria Crowe, president of Lilly Manufacturing. "These include highly-skilled technicians, scientists and engineers, which are an economic catalyst for local communities."

Further, Crowe noted that during the past 5 years, construction-trade staffing has averaged nearly 500 jobs, and had a peak level of nearly 1000 workers. The ongoing operations together with the investment programs will continue to require a significant level of construction-trade workers at the Lilly Technology Center.

"Lilly's announcement today is a clear example of what a fiscally sound state with a strong business climate — coupled with a world-class company — can achieve," said Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb. "I am grateful for Lilly's continued investment in Hoosiers and in our home state, and will work to maintain the strength of the life-sciences industry and advanced manufacturing in Indiana."

"Despite a global presence and diverse interests, Lilly's continued investment in Indianapolis is a testament to their exceptional level of faith in our workforce and a decades-long commitment to this community," said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. "As the biotech industry continues to grow in Indianapolis, Lilly remains a clear leader, bringing advancements to the field and high paying jobs to the city.  I'm excited for what today's announcement means for the company's future and look forward to Lily's continued advancements as their footprint in our city grows."

Ricks concluded by saying that Lilly has invested approximately $5 billion in its US facilities during the last decade and that more investments can be expected, particularly if the US adopts a more favorable tax environment.

"The equitable treatment of foreign earnings, a lower US corporate tax rate, and US innovation incentives — similar to the rest of the world — will encourage significant investment in the US, creating economic growth and good jobs for Americans," said Ricks. "The House Republican Blueprint with border adjustability is designed to achieve these priorities, puts America's global companies on a level playing field with competitors around the world, and creates economic growth and employment within the US."