Today’s announcement that AbbVie will invest $380 million to build two new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facilities at its North Chicago campus marks a significant milestone for U.S. pharmaceutical innovation and domestic manufacturing leadership.
The project will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to support the production of next-generation neuroscience and obesity medicines. Construction is slated to begin in spring 2026 with both facilities expected to be fully operational in 2029. In support of the expansion, AbbVie plans to hire 300 new employees, including engineers, scientists, manufacturing operators and lab technicians.
“This milestone demonstrates further progress against AbbVie’s $100 billion commitment to U.S. R&D and capital investments over the next decade,” said Robert A. Michael, chairman and chief executive officer, AbbVie. “By strengthening AbbVie’s U.S. manufacturing capabilities, we are well-positioned to support our investment in innovation and enhance our ability to deliver next-generation medicines to patients.”
“This investment is a major win for Lake County and a game-changer for the broader U.S. biomanufacturing ecosystem,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. AbbVie has long been headquartered in Lake County, and the company’s commitment to investing in expanded production and new jobs here not only strengthens our local economy, but also reinforces Lake County’s role in producing the medicines and technology of tomorrow.”
The new facilities will play a key role in producing the active components that form the foundation of therapeutic medicines — a highly complex, multi-step process critical to patient health outcomes. This investment underscores a shared vision between industry and government for a resilient and forward-looking biotechnology sector in the U.S.
“AbbVie’s $380 million investment is a transformative moment for North Chicago,” said North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham. “This expansion strengthens our city’s foundation as a leader in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing while creating meaningful job opportunities for our residents. We are proud to support a project that not only fuels local economic growth but also advances the production of critical medicines here at home in the United States.”
“This latest announcement from AbbVie caps off an incredible streak of wins in Lake County and Chicagoland. In 2025, we celebrated our best year of economic growth on record yet, and our community was named one of the top 10 counties in the U.S. for economic development,” said Kevin Considine, Lake County Partners’ president and CEO. “As the home of the largest life science cluster in the Midwest, Lake County provides the unmatched talent, industry leaders, world-class research institutions and integrated transportation access that is integral to business success. We applaud AbbVie’s decision to continue its growth here, and are excited about their continued investment in Lake County.”
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