by Jon Styf
Eli Lilly and Company announced plans for a $3 billion expansion of the Kenosha facility that it bought in April.
The expansion will be used to expand the medical supply company’s injectable manufacturing for diabetes, obesity and future medicines.
The 84,000-square foot facility was completed for Nexus Pharmaceuticals in 2021 after the $100 million facility was first announced in 2019 along with $1.5 million in state tax credits.
The purchase of adjacent land and a warehouse along with the facility and purchase amount to $4 billion of investment from Eli Lilly, the company said.
Construction will begin next year on the expansion.
“WEDC worked closely with Eli Lilly to meet its site selection and workforce needs, and we look forward to partnering with them to ensure their success in our state,” Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes said.
Eli Lilly plans to use automation, including guided vehicles, robotics, and production equipment, at the expanded facility.
Digital automation will be embedded throughout the site to accelerate processes and increase accuracy, the company said.
Eli Lilly plans to add 750 jobs at the expanded facility in addition to the 130 current employees.
“The acquisition of this state-of-the-art facility underscores our unwavering commitment to growth and innovation, and we look forward to welcoming talented new Nexus colleagues to Lilly from the Pleasant Prairie facility,” said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president, Lilly manufacturing. “We are investing boldly to serve our patients, to meet product demand and to build capabilities for our robust pipeline of the future.”
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Jon Styf is an award-winning editor and reporter of The Center Square who has worked in Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida and Michigan in local newsrooms over the past 20 years, working for Shaw Media, Hearst and several other companies.
Photo “Nexus Pharmaceuticals, LLC Facility” by Nexus Pharmaceuticals, LLC.
