Eli Lilly to increase investment in Limerick plant to $1 billion doubling its investment

The initial Eli Lilly investment of $500 million in the Limerick plant has been doubled to $1 billion the company has announced.

The Eli Lilly investment of $1 billion in the Limerick facility doubles the initial investment as the company announced the new plant will create approximately 1,500 jobs in total

By I Love Limerick Correspondent Cian Reinhardt

Eli Lilly, the US bio-pharma company has announced its total investment in the Raheen manufacturing facility is estimated to be approximately $1 billion upon its completion.

Having already announced an investment of over $500 million in a brand-new
manufacturing facility in Limerick, Ireland, the group announced the investment estimation for what will be its fifth manufacturing site in Europe this week.

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Employing almost 2,700 people at its two sites at Kinsale and Little Island, County Cork, Eli Lilly announced the new plant will create approximately 1,500 jobs in total, with almost 1,200 during the construction of the plant. Upon completion, the new facility will bring 300 new permanent jobs and expand Lilly’s manufacturing network for biologic active ingredients.

The Limerick manufacturing site will be a fully integrated digital site with the latest machine automation, manufacturing execution, and data technologies designed to ensure product and data quality.

The integrated design will enable manufacturing excellence for the production and delivery of quality medicine.

In a press release, the company noted, “The close links that have been fostered between the life sciences industry, communities, and universities with strong science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) programs in Limerick and across the country, made it the ideal location for Lilly’s new facility.”

Mayor of Limerick City and County Cllr Francis Foley said the investment “is a real vote of confidence in Limerick and the Midwest”.

“The region has built a solid reputation as an attractive location for leading biopharma companies. Limerick certainly has the edge with a highly skilled workforce and close links between our universities and industry. I’m delighted to see the sod being turned today on Lilly’s new facility which will allow them to expand their capacity to produce crucial healthcare products,” he said.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD said he is “delighted to hear the announcement” that the company will increase its investment.

“The news demonstrates their commitment to Ireland and highlights the wealth of talent we have to offer,” he said, noting the company’s work in the production of key healthcare products “which are aiding in the fight against a variety of the world’s most serious illnesses”.

“This new investment will create 300 highly skilled jobs, announced last year, for Limerick and Mid-West region. All regional investments are hugely welcome, and the Government is fully supportive of such initiatives. I would like to congratulate the team and wish them every success for the future with this fantastic project,” Minister Coveney concluded.

IDA Ireland Interim CEO Mary Buckley said Eli Lilly’s presence in Ireland for more than 40 years and this investment announcement “underscores the strategic importance of Ireland in Eli Lilly’s global operations”.

“It is proof of the company’s future commitment to Ireland and testament to Ireland’s continued attractiveness as a location for investment.”

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