News Flash

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced Eli Lilly, a global leader in pharmaceutical innovation, will locate its newest state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the West Creek Business Park located in Goochland County. 

The construction of this $5 billion facility is expected to bring 1,800 construction jobs to the region. This investment is greater than the original plans for an investment of slightly over $2 billion.   Once completed, the facility will generate 650 high paying jobs, such as scientists, lab technicians, engineers, and other highly skilled employees. 

In a press release by the Governor Glenn Younkin’s office, the Governor said, “Lilly is one of the world’s great innovators, and I want to thank them for this significant commitment to Virginia. This new facility in Goochland County will create 650 great jobs, along with 1,800 construction jobs, and deliver some of the most advanced medicines in Lilly’s portfolio, powered by the unmatched talent of our Virginia workforce. By expanding manufacturing capacity here in the United States, we are strengthening our economy, securing America’s critical pharmaceutical supply chain, and positioning Virginia to lead in the industries that will drive innovation for generations to come.” 

According to the Governor’s release, the new site will be the company’s first dedicated, fully integrated active pharmaceutical ingredient and drug product plant for Lilly’s emerging bioconjugate platform and monoclonal antibody portfolio. These treatments are primarily used to treat cancer but are being explored for autoimmune diseases and other conditions. The company has committed to more than $50 billion in new manufacturing investments since 2020 with plans to build four new manufacturing facilities in the United States with locations to be announced before the end of 2025. The Goochland project represents one of these four projects for which new sites are being selected.  

According to the company, Goochland County was selected from hundreds of applications based on several criteria, including, but not limited to, workforce potential in the Greater Richmond Region, local incentives, ready access to utilities and transportation and favorable zoning. 

In a press release by Eli Lilly, Edgardo Hernandez, Executive Vice President and President of Lilly Manufacturing Operations said, "This isn't just another manufacturing site — it represents a significant milestone for Lilly, as we begin building our first bioconjugate facility. With this cutting-edge site, Lilly is setting a new benchmark in bioconjugate innovation, advancing technologies that will expand what's possible for patients. This investment reflects our bold vision, our commitment to transformative technologies and our dedication to being a good neighbor through sustainability efforts and support of local education and community partnerships."

“We are thrilled to welcome Eli Lilly to the Goochland community,” said Tom Winfree, Goochland County Board of Supervisor. “Goochland County is growing, and the announcement that Eli Lilly is locating a manufacturing facility in Goochland is a powerful confirmation of the momentum we’ve built. It demonstrates that Goochland is not only open for business, but we are competing — and winning — at the highest level. Just last year, our Board of Supervisors and the Economic Development Authority came together with a clear vision: to strengthen our competitiveness and invest in the future of Goochland’s business community. We made the bold decision to fund initiatives that enhance our sites and attract top-tier companies. Eli Lilly’s announcement is a direct result of that foresight, commitment, and collaboration.”

This announcement comes just a year after the Goochland County Board of Supervisors, and the Goochland Economic Development Authority held a work session with the goal of strengthening Goochland’s competitiveness for business attraction. Goochland County Economic Development staff and the Goochland Economic Development Authority worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Governor’s Office to make this project possible for our community. 

For more information on Governor Glenn Youngkin’s announcement, view the Governor’s Press Release at https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2025/september/name-1058892-en.html 

Find more information regarding this announcement from Lilly at https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-announces-plans-build-5-billion-manufacturing-facility