Eli Lilly has received a final nod from Pleasant Prairie’s Plan Commission for its site and operations plan, clearing the way for a multibillion-dollar expansion of the former Nexus Pharmaceuticals facility. With this approval, Lilly contractors may now apply for permits to begin construction, said village representative Steven Linn.
The Indianapolis drug company bought the 84,000-square-foot building at 10300 128th Ave. from Nexus last April 2024. It will utilize the plant to make injectable medications like pre-filled syringes and glass vials, according to documents submitted to the Plan Commission.
Lilly has committed over $23 billion of investments in manufacturing since 2020. At Wisconsin, its total proposed investment including expansion, land acquisition, and an adjacent warehouse—came in at $4 billion. By December 2024, the company wanted to invest $3 billion in Kenosha County and create 750 new jobs.
As part of the Eli Lilly’s Pleasant Prairie expansion plans, an office and manufacturing addition of three stories and 54,166 square feet will be built on the west side of the plant, including a cafeteria. A 13,940-square-foot warehouse with four dock doors will be added to the north face of the building.
Pleasant Prairie’s Plan Commission granted preliminary approval in December, allowing initial excavation, foundation construction, and underground utility installation to begin. The unanimous vote on Monday night is the final hurdle before full-scale construction can begin.
Lilly indicated that expanding its global injectable product manufacturing network is the solution to meeting increasing demand for diabetes, obesity, and pipeline medications. To support this, the firm will install automatic filling technology to its injectable drugs at the facility.
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Eli Lilly & Co. Pleasant Prairie Expansion Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Final approval received from Pleasant Prairie’s Plan Commission for site and operational plan
Purpose: Manufacturing injectable medicines, including pre-filled syringes and glass vials
Location: 10300 128th Ave. (former Nexus Pharmaceuticals facility)
Project Status: Construction permits now being processed following final approval
Investment
Total Wisconsin Investment: $4 billion (including expansion, land acquisition, and adjacent warehouse)
Pleasant Prairie Expansion (Kenosha County) Commitment: $3 billion investment announced December 2024
Job Creation: 750 new positions
Part of Larger Initiative: Over $23 billion in manufacturing investments by Lilly since 2020
Facility Specifications
Original Facility Size: 84,000 square feet (acquired from Nexus Pharmaceuticals in April 2024)
West Addition: Three-story, 54,166-square-foot office and manufacturing space with cafeteria
North Addition: 13,940-square-foot warehouse with four dock doors
Technology Integration: Automated filling technology for injectable pharmaceuticals
Eli Lilly’s Pleasant Prairie Expansion: Project Timeline
December: Preliminary approval granted
April 2024: Acquisition of Nexus Pharmaceuticals facility
Current: Final approval received, construction permits being processed
Preliminary Work: Initial groundwork, foundation preparations, and underground utility installations began after December approval
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