Eli Lilly and Company, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturers, will invest $6.5 billion to build a 236-acre manufacturing facility at Generation Park in Houston. The project marks the first major pharmaceutical manufacturing facility investment in Texas and is expected to create more than 615 full-time jobs.
The facility will produce active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), key components of Lilly’s medicines. Construction is estimated to be completed in 2030 with over 4,000 regional construction jobs.
“This is a transformative moment for the Houston region and our life sciences industry,” Greater Houston Partnership President and CEO Steve Kean said. “The Lilly project represents one of the largest for-profit life sciences investments in Texas history and is a powerful endorsement of Houston’s growing position as a global hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and biomedical excellence. This win reflects years of strategic work by partners across the public and private sectors to build the talent, infrastructure, and business environment needed to attract world-class companies like Eli Lilly.”
Houston was chosen over more than 300 competing locations for its skilled workforce, competitive incentives and robust infrastructure.
Learn more about Houston’s life sciences and biotech ecosystem by connecting with the Partnership’s Global Life Sciences Sr. Director Verena Kallhoff.
Building the Foundation
In 2022, Houston lost a major pharmaceutical project to another state, exposing a critical need for a stronger biotech workforce. Instead of retreating, the region responded with action.
San Jacinto College and McCord’s Generation Park launched the Center for Biotechnology, opening in late September as the only National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT)-licensed training provider in the southern U.S. The center will deliver industry-grade training for biotech technicians, ensuring the region can meet workforce demand.
“The San Jacinto College Center for Biotechnology will play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the region’s biotechnology sector,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, Chancellor, San Jacinto College. “We are committed to equipping our students and industry partners with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the dynamic pharmaceutical therapies industry. Our vision is to not only meet the workforce needs of today but to also shape the future of biotechnology education and training throughout the region.”
“Lilly’s decision to invest more than $6.5 billion in Harris County is a powerful testament to the strength of our community and its ability to support lifesaving work in the life sciences and create living wage jobs and equitable economic opportunities for working families in Harris County,” said Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis in a statement. “Harris County is unmatched for its speed to market, world-class infrastructure, and exceptional workforce. Harris County, along with partners at McCord Development in Generation Park and San Jacinto College, have built an ecosystem that is purposefully designed for life science projects—offering best-in-class infrastructure, workforce training, and a community environment that connects innovation with quality of life.”
Houston’s Growing Life Sciences Industry
New developments like TMC’s Helix Park, the Alexandria Center for Advanced Technologies, Levit Green and Generation Park’s BioHub Two have expanded state-of-the-art facilities for research and commercialization.
RELATED: Houston’s Biotech Ecosystem: The Ideal Launchpad for Life Sciences Startups
Houston’s growing for-profit space, infrastructure, business environment and supportive ecosystem have drawn several companies in recent years, including Cellipont Bioservices from California, Sino Biological from China, PackGene from Massachusetts, and Bionova Scientific from California.
RELATED: The Woodlands Innovation District Aims to Attract Life Sciences Companies
Policies to Support Growth
This project is also among the first approved under Texas’ new Jobs, Energy, Technology and Innovation (JETI) program, which replaced Chapter 313 and ensures local schools like Sheldon ISD benefit from long-term tax revenue. The Partnership played an instrumental role in advancing JETI during the 2023 legislative session, alongside other efforts to keep Houston competitive. That same year, Bill McKeon, President and CEO of the Texas Medical Center, and the Partnership championed Proposition 10, which created a property tax exemption for medical equipment and inventory. Together, these forward-looking policies reduce barriers for biomanufacturing investment and position Houston and Texas to secure transformative projects like this one.
“Texas is the economic engine of America because we foster innovation and empower businesses to succeed,” said Governor Greg Abbott in a statement. “Texas is proud to welcome Lilly to Houston as they make one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing investments in our nation’s history and provide good, high-paying jobs to hardworking Texans. With our highly skilled workforce, low taxes, and world-class, business-friendly climate, Texas is the best place for companies like Lilly to grow. This $6.5 billion facility will not only bolster Houston’s economy, it will boost our life sciences sector and help cement Texas as a global leader in health care innovation.”
