New API Manufacturing Facility, Creating 600 Jobs in Harris County
HOUSTON, Texas – September 23, 2025 – Governor Greg Abbott today announced that Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) will build a state-of-the-art active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Harris County. The project, representing an investment of more than $6.5 billion, will create over 600 new high-quality jobs and marks the largest API manufacturing investment in Texas to date.
The new 1 million-square-foot facility, to be located at Generation Park, will focus on domestic production of next-generation small molecule synthetic medicines. Lilly’s expansion supports both the reshoring of pharmaceutical manufacturing and the strengthening of America’s biomedical supply chain.
“Texas is the best state in America for doing business,” said Governor Abbott. “This announcement by Lilly will boost pharmaceutical manufacturing in the state of Texas and ensure that we do not rely on other countries for the supply of medicines and medical supplies. Texas is doing its part to expand biomedical manufacturing and bring more capacity back to America.”
Lilly has been awarded a Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant of $5.5 million and the project has been approved under the state’s Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program.
A Transformative Investment for Texas
“Our new U.S. manufacturing facilities are more than just an investment in infrastructure—they’re a commitment to American innovation, onshoring jobs, economic growth, and public health,” said David A. Ricks, Lilly Chair and CEO. “By expanding our domestic footprint, we’re strengthening our supply chain, reducing reliance on overseas production, and accelerating the delivery of life-changing medicines to patients. This is a win for Lilly, a win for American workers, and most importantly, a win for the communities and patients we serve.”
Local leaders emphasized the project’s transformative impact on the Houston region.
- Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis: “Lilly’s decision to invest more than $6.5 billion in Harris County is a powerful testament to the strength of our community and its ability to support lifesaving work in the life sciences and create equitable economic opportunities for working families.”
- Dr. Demetrius McCall, Sheldon ISD Superintendent: “This partnership represents a shared commitment to innovation, education, and opportunity. Together, we will empower our students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive in a global workforce.”
- Steve Kean, President and CEO of Greater Houston Partnership: “This project represents one of the largest for-profit life sciences investments in Texas history and reinforces Houston’s position as a global hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical excellence.”
Construction is set to begin soon, with operations ramping up in the coming years. Lilly’s expansion is supported by partnerships with McCord Development in Generation Park, San Jacinto College, and Sheldon Independent School District, creating an ecosystem designed to support long-term life sciences growth.
About Eli Lilly and Company
Founded in 1876, Eli Lilly and Company is a global pharmaceutical leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company is dedicated to discovering, developing, and delivering innovative medicines that improve the lives of people worldwide. Lilly’s investment in Harris County marks a major milestone in its U.S. manufacturing expansion strategy.
