Governor Greg Abbott joined Eli Lilly and Company executives and local leaders on Tuesday in Houston to announce the pharmaceutical giant’s plans to build a $6.5 billion manufacturing campus in the city.
Abbott was joined by Eli Lilly Chair and CEO David Ricks, state Representative Harold Dutton, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and other local and state officials, as well as public health advocates.
KPRC 2 first reported earlier this month that documents filed with the Texas Comptroller’s Office outlined the company’s plans. The facility is expected to create 4,000 construction jobs and 615 high-wage permanent roles for engineers, scientists, and operators once complete.
Officials said the city’s position as home to the world’s largest medical complex and its rapidly growing life sciences hub made it an ideal location for Eli Lilly’s expansion.
The project also highlights Texas’ Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) and Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) programs, which have been used to attract major economic development to the state.
Gov. Abbott praised the announcement as a testament to Texas’ business-friendly environment, adding that the project underscores Houston’s role as a leader in healthcare and life sciences.
“We are so proud to have Eli Lilly right here in Houston, Texas,” said Abbott. “Texas is the best state in America for doing business.”
Abbott also emphasized the project’s strategic national importance, “it boosts pharmaceutical manufacturing in Texas, but it’s also critical for rebuilding our ability to make medicine here at home.”
Local Leaders speak on infrastructure, jobs, and community commitment
Houston Mayor John Whitmire emphasized the city’s critical role in supporting the plant’s operations.
“You know, they reference the water supply. Well, the City of Houston is going to furnish the water. And of course, we’ll furnish most of their employees,” Whitmire said. “We’ve got to continue to improve Houston—work on our infrastructure, keep it safer, and improve our education system.”
Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (D-Houston) welcomed the investment but stressed the importance of hiring locally.
“I think the jobs that it will create will be great for the region—as long as the jobs are really from people that are in the region,” said Garcia. “Many companies sometimes transfer people in, so I hope they mean it when they say they’re going to really invest in the community.”
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis dismissed concerns that the development could worsen flooding, pointing to infrastructure planning and the creation of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ).
“I don’t think it will worsen the flooding,” said Ellis. “This is a major job creator. It’s a major economic development project. It will mean a lot to the neighborhoods in this area and to our whole region.”
Community and education partnerships take shape
Sheldon ISD, which serves the area near the project site, has been involved in discussions from the beginning.
“We’ve been a part of those conversations,” said Superintendent Demetrius McCall. “We’re interested in making sure our students are prepared for the jobs Eli Lilly will offer.”
McCall said students in San Jacinto College’s biomanufacturing program could benefit directly, with increased earning potential and job access that would allow them to reinvest in their community.
Diane Tennehouse, site head for Eli Lilly in Houston, reiterated that roles at the plant will vary in education requirements—from high school diplomas to PhDs:
“There are employment opportunities for everyone here at Lilly Houston, and I’m committed to making this a great place to work.”
A modern facility with global reach
Ricks said the decision to build in Houston followed a global competition, with over 300 proposals from across the world.
“Texas stood out for what it delivers to a modern manufacturing site,” Ricks said. “It offered speed, scale, world-class infrastructure, power, connectivity, and the Port of Houston to keep goods moving.”
The plant will be digitally native, designed with AI, machine learning, and automation to increase efficiency and quality, Ricks said.
He also emphasized the economic ripple effect of the project.
“It’s estimated that for every $1 we spend at this site, it will generate $4 of economic impact in the surrounding community,” Ricks said. “Over time, we expect more than $25 billion in total economic impact here in Texas.”
The facility is expected to open within the next five years, though Eli Lilly hopes to accelerate that timeline. The company is already accepting applications for some roles and has committed to being a long-term community partner.