Lilly to bring pharmaceutical plant, $1B investment, nearly 600 new jobs to Cabarrus County
The 589 jobs are for highly skilled workers, such as scientists, engineers and manufacturing personnel.
CONCORD, N.C. (WBTV) – Eli Lilly and Company, a global healthcare and biopharmaceutical company, plans to invest $1 billion and create nearly 600 new jobs in Cabarrus County, officials announced Friday.
According to Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation, this is the second major economic development announcement made for The Grounds at Concord – the site of the former Philip Morris plant – within the past year and is the second-largest in the history of Cabarrus County.
“Lilly’s choice brings more good jobs to North Carolina from one of our most important industries,” North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said. “North Carolina has become a premier hub for the world, thanks to our exceptional workforce and commitment to education.”
The 589 jobs are for highly skilled workers, such as scientists, engineers and manufacturing personnel. An estimated 500 additional positions will be required during construction, which is expected to begin this year, county leaders said.
“Lilly especially did a lot of research on their ability to fill those positions and they feel like their ability to fill the talent pipeline was strong here, and they have that reputation of being a good employer,” said Page Castrodale, Executive Director of Cabarrus EDC. “It’s going to bring a lot of opportunity for the people who already live here to upscale and to move into positions that are going to pay more than what they are making now.”
Lilly’s N.C. facility will produce injectable products and devices, the company said. The entire project will consist of over 800,000 square feet across a five-building campus that includes the manufacturing facility along with spaces for logistics and packaging, a quality control lab and a central utilities plant.
“Lilly is entering an exciting period of growth and we are committed to delivering innovative medicines to patients around the world,” Edgardo Hernandez, senior vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations, said. “Expanding our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina enables us to continue to produce today’s medicines while providing additional capacity to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow.”
Company leaders said they selected Concord due to the manufacturing technology experience of the local labor force; the proximity to universities with strong science, technology, engineering and math programs; and access to major transportation infrastructure.
“We are a work-ready community with a pipeline of success,” Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners Chair Steve Morris said. “We have depth in education, skill and talent and our location is second-to-none. We welcome corporate leaders, like Lilly, who seek a supportive community. We are grateful for this opportunity and our role in making life better for people around the world.”
“For them to plant their flag in Cabarrus County and in the Charlotte region, I think it sends a message to others in that industry that this is a good market for the life science industry,” Castrodale added.
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