Lilly To Invest $3B In New Dutch Manufacturing Hub, Creating 500 Jobs

The new facility will expand Lilly’s capacity to produce oral medicines and strengthen its global supply chain. It will leverage advanced manufacturing technologies to support a growing portfolio in cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology.

Key features include dock-to-dock automation, paperless operations, process analytical technology, and spray-dried dispersion — a technique that enhances oral medicine absorption.

Vincent Karremans, minister of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, says, “I’m truly proud that Lilly has chosen the Netherlands, Katwijk and the Leiden Bio Science Park after considering many locations across Europe.”

“The arrival of Lilly will not only bring new jobs and investments but also boost collaboration in the field of innovative medicines, helping us work together on solutions that truly improve people’s health and lives.”

Eli Lilly’s new manufacturing site in Katwijk, the Netherlands, is set to create major employment opportunities in South Holland. The $3 billion investment will generate 500 permanent roles and around 1,500 construction jobs.

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Permanent positions will include engineers, scientists, lab technicians, and operations staff who will work with advanced manufacturing systems to produce medicines such as orforglipron, Lilly’s first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist.

Construction is scheduled to begin next year, pending government and local approvals. The project will also engage local contractors, suppliers, and service providers, boosting the regional economy.

This expansion marks Lilly’s continued growth in Europe, adding to its existing manufacturing presence in France, Ireland, Italy, and Spain, alongside new facilities under development in Ireland, Germany and now the Netherlands.

The investment reinforces Lilly’s presence in Europe, supporting continued growth in medicine manufacturing, innovation, and job creation across the region.

David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO, says, “With extensive investments already underway in the US, our planned expansion in Europe further strengthens our ability to deliver medicines to patients worldwide. Localised manufacturing ensures we can quickly respond to meet regional demand and accelerate distribution within Europe.”

“Leiden Bio Science Park offers access to a skilled workforce, reliable infrastructure and proven pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities. We look forward to working closely with the EU, national and local governments to create a more favourable and predictable policy environment open to fully harnessing innovative medicines to deliver faster access to patients.”

Edgardo Hernandez executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations adds, “At Lilly, we are investing in next-generation manufacturing facilities around the world to ensure our medicines are made and distributed closer to the communities and patients we serve. Expanding our capabilities in Europe strengthens our global supply chain and reflects our commitment to getting innovative treatments to patients who need them.”

“Additionally, with each new facility we are building, we find ways to continue to minimise our environmental footprint – assuring carbon neutrality in our operations and generating zero waste to landfills.”

Lilly is expanding its global manufacturing footprint by enlarging its Puerto Rico site and building new facilities in Texas and Virginia, with plans to identify two more U.S. locations soon.

For nearly 150 years, Eli Lilly and Company has transformed scientific research into life-changing medicines that reach millions worldwide. Its research integrates biotechnology, chemistry, and genetic medicine to develop advanced therapies for major health challenges.

Lilly’s focus spans diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, immune disorders, and cancer. The company also designs inclusive clinical trials to better represent diverse populations and is committed to making treatments accessible and affordable.

Through continuous innovation and collaboration Lilly strives to broaden healthcare access and improve health outcomes globally.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly and Company is a global medicine leader dedicated to turning science into healing. Guided by its founder’s vision to “make it better,” Lilly uses biotechnology, chemistry, and genetic medicine to tackle major health challenges and improve lives worldwide.