NORTH CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker, along with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC), announced that AbbVie will build two new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facilities at its North Chicago headquarters. The company will invest $380 million and create 300 permanent, full-time jobs.
The new investment further strengthens Illinois’ life sciences sector growth, supported by a skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and a strong manufacturing base.
“AbbVie’s significant commitment solidifies Illinois’ position as a global leader in biomanufacturing and will generate hundreds of new jobs,” said Governor Pritzker. “Our world-class workforce, modern infrastructure, strategic location, and cutting-edge research ecosystem demonstrate why Illinois is the best place to grow and innovate. This expansion strengthens both pharmaceutical manufacturing and research and development, and contributes to a stronger economic future for our communities.”
The initiative is part of the state’s Economic Growth Plan, which prioritizes strategic industries such as life sciences and advanced manufacturing. With this investment, Illinois solidifies its role as a global hub in both sectors.
Robert A. Michael, Chairman and CEO of AbbVie, noted that the project is part of the company’s commitment to invest $100 billion in research, development, and infrastructure in the United States over the next decade. “By strengthening our manufacturing capabilities in the country, we will be able to drive innovation and accelerate the delivery of next-generation medicines to patients,” he said.
The plan includes the construction of two state-of-the-art facilities for the production of innovative medicines in areas such as neuroscience and obesity treatments. In the past six months, AbbVie had already announced an additional $575 million in investments in North Chicago, including $195 million earmarked for a new chemical synthesis plant for APIs, creating 50 additional jobs.
DCEO Director Kristin Richards emphasized that the state is using economic development tools to support the expansion of advanced manufacturing, foster quality jobs, and keep Illinois at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation.
As part of an agreement under the EDGE (Economic Development for a Growing Economy) program, AbbVie committed to creating at least 350 new full-time jobs in Illinois, where it is headquartered and currently employs more than 11,500 people. By 2025 alone, companies participating in the EDGE program have committed to investing more than $2.6 billion in various communities across the state.
Christy George, president and CEO of Illinois EDC, stated that AbbVie’s expansion reaffirms Illinois’ global leadership in life sciences. She emphasized that the state boasts world-class research institutions, a highly skilled workforce, and an integrated manufacturing and logistics network, creating the ideal environment for biopharmaceutical innovation and the generation of high-quality jobs.
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