Wedoany.com Report-Nov. 5, Eli Lilly, a leading American pharmaceutical company, has announced plans to invest $3 billion in a new manufacturing facility at the Leiden Bio Science Park in Katwijk, the Netherlands. The site will focus on producing oral solid medicines targeting cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology, and immunology, representing one of Eli Lilly’s largest European investments to date.

The upcoming facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies designed to enhance efficiency and product quality. Among these are dock-to-dock automation, material flow systems, paperless manufacturing, process analytical technology, and spray-dried dispersion methods, which improve the absorption of oral medicines. These features are expected to optimize production and support the company’s efforts to meet growing global demand for innovative treatments.

During the construction phase, the project is projected to create approximately 1,500 jobs, providing significant opportunities for local contractors and suppliers. Once operational, the plant will offer around 500 permanent positions in engineering, science, and operations, contributing to the Netherlands’ growing life sciences and pharmaceutical sector.

David A. Ricks, Eli Lilly’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, stated: “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.”

Eli Lilly emphasized that the new facility aligns with its global strategy to expand production capacity, enhance supply chain resilience, and strengthen regional manufacturing capabilities. The company has been increasing its global footprint through major projects in North America and now Europe, reflecting the growing need for efficient and sustainable pharmaceutical production.

The Leiden Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical clusters, offers strategic advantages in terms of research collaboration, infrastructure, and skilled workforce availability. Eli Lilly’s investment is expected to reinforce the region’s position as a key hub for advanced medicine manufacturing and innovation.

Construction of the Katwijk facility is expected to begin in 2026, pending final regulatory and procedural approvals. Once completed, it will serve as a state-of-the-art production centre, integrating automation, sustainability, and digital technology to ensure high-quality and efficient medicine production.

The project highlights Eli Lilly’s continued commitment to expanding access to healthcare and supporting scientific and technological innovation in Europe. By combining advanced production methods with local expertise, the new plant aims to strengthen Eli Lilly’s global supply network and deliver essential medicines more efficiently to patients across Europe and beyond.