The planned expansion will increase production of biologic active ingredients, including those for its recently approved treatment for early symptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. Production of these ingredients for Lilly medicines is expected to begin in 2026.
The move is set to create 150 jobs in Limerick. Roles available at the manufacturing site will include engineers, scientists, quality assurance professionals and operations personnel.
This will bring the total number of people employed at the site to 450, Lilly said.
The investment is subject to planning approval, with Lilly now preparing to submit a planning application to Limerick City and County Council.
“Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating diagnosis for both the patient and for their loved ones, along with having a huge burden on society,” Anne E White, Lilly neuroscience division president, said.
“The treatments we will make here in Limerick offer the potential to be able to slow the progression of the disease and make life better for millions of people around the world.”
The company also unveiled an $800m expansion of its Kinsale operations. The Co Cork facility began producing medicines last year and is focused on diabetes and obesity treatments.
The number of people employed at the group’s global business solutions centre in Cork has quadrupled since 2019. The number of employees is expected to have exceeded 2,000 employees by the end of the year. More than half are working in clinical research and development.
Lilly attributed its growth plans in Ireland to the skilled workforce, regulatory environment and pro-innovation government policies.
“These investments will boost the production of some of our medicines, helping millions of people with diabetes, obesity and Alzheimer’s disease live the healthiest lives possible,” Lilly manufacturing operations president Edgardo Hernandez said.
“We won’t stop there. These state-of-the-art facilities will also be equipped to support our promising pipeline molecules of the future.”
The company, founded in 1876, employs more than 42,000 people around the world. It has been operating here since 1978.