In a bold move to boost domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and revitalize Indiana’s economy, Eli Lilly has officially broken ground on its $4.5 billion Lilly Medicine Foundry in Indiana’s LEAP District . The groundbreaking marks one of the largest investments in pharmaceutical infrastructure in U.S. history and underscores Lilly’s commitment to reshoring drug production.
Set within Boone County’s LEAP District—short for Limitless Exploration/Advanced Pace—the new facility will span 1.2 million square feet across seven buildings. It’s the most significant development announced for the innovation and research district, which aims to attract high-tech industries to Indiana.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
The Lilly Medicine Foundry is expected to generate over 2,000 construction jobs during development and sustain approximately 400 high-skill positions once operational in 2027.
Governor Mike Braun and Lilly CEO Dave Ricks joined company officials at the ceremony, highlighting the facility’s economic and strategic importance. Gov. Braun emphasized the national benefit of reducing reliance on overseas pharmaceutical production.
“Not only is bringing pharma production back to the U.S. good for our country,” Braun said, “it’s good for patients and consumers as well, bringing new medicine to clinical trials two months faster than current industry benchmarks.”
The Lilly Medicine Foundry is designed as a state-of-the-art hub that integrates research, process development, manufacturing, and advanced technology under one roof. The facility’s flexible layout will accommodate a range of molecular therapies—from traditional small molecules to biologics and next-generation treatments such as genetic medicines.
Company leaders also highlighted the facility’s role in improving the resiliency of the U.S. medication supply chain—an issue brought into sharp focus by recent global disruptions. The Foundry will support not only medicine production but also research into more sustainable, efficient manufacturing methods, aiming to expand global clinical trial access while reducing environmental impact.
Read also: Pleasant Prairie Approves Eli Lilly’s Multibillion-Dollar Expansion Plan
Lilly’s Commitment to Indiana
So far, Lilly has invested around $13 billion in the LEAP District, making it the largest single investment in active pharmaceutical ingredient production ever made in the U.S.
Despite the promising economic outlook, the LEAP District has faced criticism from some local residents and leaders. Concerns have been raised about the availability of water resources to support the district’s growth and a perceived lack of transparency from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
Still, the launch of the Lilly Medicine Foundry marks a significant milestone—both for the state’s innovation ambitions and for America’s efforts to strengthen its pharmaceutical independence.
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Lilly Medicine Foundry in LEAP District: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Investment: $4.5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility
Location: Lebanon, Indiana (LEAP Innovation District, Boone County)
Facility Size: 1.2 million square feet across seven buildings
Timeline: Groundbreaking completed; operational by 2027
Total LEAP Investment: $13 billion (I.e. largest U.S. investment in active pharmaceutical ingredient production)
Economic Impact
Construction Phase: 2,000+ jobs
Operational Phase: 400 high-skill permanent positions
Strategic Benefit: Reshoring critical pharmaceutical manufacturing to the U.S.
Lilly Medicine Foundry: Facility Capabilities
Integrated research, process development, and manufacturing
Flexible production for diverse therapies (small molecules, biologics, genetic medicines)
Enhanced clinical trial efficiency (2 months faster than industry benchmarks)
Focus on sustainable manufacturing methods
Strategic Significance
Strengthens U.S. medication supply chain resilience
Reduces dependency on overseas pharmaceutical production
Expands global clinical trial access
Anchors Indiana’s LEAP District developmen
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