Eli Lilly European Expansion to Bring Construction Boost

Eli Lilly and Company has confirmed it will build a US$3bn manufacturing site in the Netherlands to expand its global production of oral medicines.

The site, located at Leiden Bio Science Park in Katwijk, supports the company's commitment to increase supply capacity for patients worldwide and builds on its existing European footprint.

The new facility forms part of Lilly’s wider manufacturing expansion, joining previously-announced projects in Ireland and Germany, and complementing existing sites in France, Italy, Ireland and Spain.

Boosting oral medicine output in Europe

Contributing to a broad expansion programme across Europe and North America, Lilly’s Katwijk facility increases its capacity to produce oral solid dose medicines and supports a portfolio covering cardiometabolic health, neuroscience, oncology and immunology.

The site will manufacture orforglipron, Lilly’s first oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist. A GLP-1 receptor agonist is a treatment that mimics a natural hormone which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Lilly confirms plans to submit orforglipron for regulatory approval in the obesity treatment category by the end of the year.

The plant will use a dock-to-dock automation system to manage goods from receipt through to distribution. This fully integrated setup removes the need for manual material transfers. The facility also implements paperless manufacturing, spray-dried dispersion and process analytical technology. Spray-dried dispersion improves how a drug dissolves in the body, which helps increase its effectiveness.

Eli Lilly’s Chair and CEO David Ricks says: “With extensive investments already under way 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.”

The Netherlands’ position as a strong life sciences hub influences Lilly’s site selection. It offers proximity to academic institutions, start-ups and the broader South Holland science network.

Boost for the construction workforce

The project will create around 1,500 construction jobs during the build phase.

Work is scheduled to begin in 2026, subject to final government permits and regulatory approval. Once operational, the site will offer 500 full-time roles across engineering, operations and science-based functions.

These positions will focus on operating highly-automated production systems and ensuring reliable delivery across Lilly’s international supply chain.

Vincent Karremans, Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs, welcomes the announcement: “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."

The Katwijk site strengthens Lilly’s global network and supports a model of decentralised production closer to end markets. By basing manufacturing near demand centres, Lilly aims to meet regulatory and logistical needs more effectively.

Manufacturing at scale

Edgardo Hernandez, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly Manufacturing Operations, outlines how the Netherlands site fits into a broader global plan.

"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," he says. 

"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."

Alongside European expansion, Lilly is investing in facilities in the US. The company is building new plants in Texas and Virginia, while expanding an existing one in Puerto Rico. Two further US sites are due to be announced.

With a $3bn commitment to Katwijk, Lilly is deepening its European presence and aims to meet growing demand for oral therapies. The new plant brings together automated systems, sustainable operations and local expertise, embedding flexibility into the company’s long-term global supply strategy.