Eli Lilly and company revealed its plans to invest upwards of $1.2 billion to expand and enhance its manufacturing site in Carolina, Puerto Rico.¹ Lilly’s investment is aimed at integrating advanced technologies, while also enhancing its production capabilities within its existing location, supporting the company’s growing portfolio of oral solid medicines.

"This historic investment stands as proof of what can be achieved when the private sector and government work hand in hand toward a shared vision of competitiveness and economic growth," said Sebastian Negron Reichard, secretary of the department of economic development and commerce, Puerto Rico. "For over sixty years, Lilly has trusted Puerto Rico, its people, its talent and its potential. Today, that trust translates into new capacity, advanced technologies, investment and long-term economic value for our island. This is exactly the kind of partnership that defines our economic development strategy and strengthens Puerto Rico's position as a global leader in life sciences manufacturing."

Why is Lilly focused on investing in its Puerto Rico manufacturing site?

Lilly del Caribe is expected to be one of the selected facilities to manufacture orforglipron, Lilly’s first oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist.¹ The $1.2 billion investment is a reflection of Puerto Rico’s impact in Lilly’s manufacturing agenda, and was included in Lillys previously announced $50 billion capital investment aiming to expand US-based manufacturing capabililties.¹

Additionally,the investment enables the facility to deploy highly advanced technologies in oral solid medicine manufacturing, including dock-to-dock automation and material flow, paperless manufacturing, process analytical technology, and spray-dried dispersion, which allows oral medicines to be effectively absorbed.¹

Lily’s planned investment into its Lilly del Caribe manufacturing site in Puerto Rico continues the company’s recent trend of investing back into its manufacturing sites, as Lilly announced its plans to build a $5 billon manufacturing plant in Goochland County, Virgina, a $1 billion investment in its India-based manufacturing site, and a $6.5 billion investment in contrasting a new manufacturing site in Houston, Texas.

"After sixty years, Lilly del Caribe continues to play an important role in making life-changing medicines for people in the U.S. and beyond," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly manufacturing operations. "Our continued investments in capacity, infrastructure, advanced technologies and highly specialized jobs will further cement the site's significance in Lilly's global manufacturing network. Our progress builds on the dedication and expertise of our local team, helping us deliver new medicines for patients around the world."

The planned investment in expansion is set to create up to 1000 construction jobs, with an additional 100 high-tech manufacturing positions, while also reflecting Lilly’s support of local bioscience growth, by its scholarship offering for students studying engineering, science, technology, and business.¹

Comments from Puerto Rico’s governor on the planned investment

"This announcement reflects the very essence of our public policy, which is to position Puerto Rico as a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing, innovation and national economic security," said Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, governor of Puerto Rico. "Lilly's multimillion-dollar expansion is a resounding vote of confidence in our people, our infrastructure and our long-term competitiveness within the U.S. supply chain. It demonstrates that global companies can continue to grow and thrive here, while Puerto Rico contributes in a meaningful way to the resilience of the nation's most critical industries."

Sources

1. Lilly announces more than $1.2 billion investment in Puerto Rico facility to boost oral medicine manufacturing capacity in the United States Eli Lilly and Company October 29, 2025 https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lilly-announces-more-than-1-2-billion-investment-in-puerto-rico-facility-to-boost-oral-medicine-manufacturing-capacity-in-the-united-states-302597678.html