Durham, N.C. - Durham continues to grow its local economy with Eli Lilly and Company's (NYSE: LLY) announcement on Monday, January 23, 2023, that it will invest $450 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Research Triangle Park (RTP). The facility will add at least 100 new jobs in Durham County over the next five years.

"We are very excited about Lilly's robust expansion here in Durham County, and what it means for the Triangle region," said Durham Board of County Commissioners Chair Brenda Howerton. "In the nearly two years that they have been here, Lilly has demonstrated the corporate model that we aim to encourage through workforce partnerships with the local schools and community college, investments in diverse vendors, and a commitment to environmental responsibility. By providing paid internships and apprenticeships, they will help prepare students for the project's entry-level jobs that offer a career pathway. Just as important, Lilly has committed to an aspirational goal of $35 million investment in Minority and Women Business Enterprises to support diverse suppliers. We very much look forward to continuing this partnership."

Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Lilly's expansion at RTP includes additional parenteral filling, device assembly and packaging capacity to support an increased demand for Lilly's incretin products that treat diabetes.

"As we move into 2023, Lilly is focused on finding innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for our medicines," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president, Lilly Manufacturing Operations. "Expanding our operations at Research Triangle Park will accelerate the rate at which we can produce medicines that patients rely on to address serious health challenges like diabetes. We're on track to achieve the goal we shared in November 2022 of doubling incretin capacity by the end of this year, but this investment is key to ensuring even more patients will have access to medicines they need in the future."

The company estimates that approximately 90 percent of the jobs created by this project will be entry-level roles that can be hired with Durham Tech's BioWork Certificate or high school education. All jobs pay an average wage of $56,408 plus benefits. New positions include operators and line leaders.

"When companies already in North Carolina choose to expand here, it reaffirms our status as the best state to do business," Governor Roy Cooper said. "Our strong communities and our dedicated, well-trained workforce will help Lilly continue to succeed."

Since 2020, Lilly has committed roughly $4 billion to new manufacturing facilities in North Carolina, including $1.7 billion for the development and expansion of its site at Research Triangle Park. The company anticipates initial production at RTP to begin this year, with preparations for inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ongoing.

"When we revised our business recruitment policy three years ago, this is exactly the project that we hoped to recruit," stated Durham County Economic Development Director Andrew Miracle. "With most of the new jobs only requiring a BioWork Certificate from Durham Tech or High School education, we are further solidifying the County's investment in the BULLS - Life Sciences program that pairs industry certification with stipends and wrap-around support. As a founding member of NC Biotech's Apprenticeship Consortium and participant of their bioLOGIC program, Lilly has consistently demonstrated their commitment to workforce development by raising industry awareness and offering training opportunities. We are excited to see this significant investment move forward."

Since 2014, Lilly has introduced 18 new medicines to make life better for people living with diseases like diabetes and cancer and aims to introduce several potential new medicines in 2023. This expansion will play a pivotal role in delivering supply of existing Lilly medications, while preparing to bring the next generation of medicines to patients worldwide.

This project is being supported by a 10-year performance agreement with Durham County totaling a maximum of $5 million, which was approved following a public hearing at the Board of Commissioner's meeting on January 23, 2023. Payments only occur following performance verification by Durham County that the jobs, investment, and community benefits targets were achieved. This includes maintaining that property taxes paid annually are at a minimum twice the scheduled payment amount.

For more information about this announcement, contact Durham County Economic Development Manager Matthew Filter at mfilter@dconc.gov or 919-560-9340.