Rendering provided by AbbVie
CHICAGO, February 23 – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Economic Development Corporation (Illinois EDC) announced today that AbbVie will construct two new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facilities at its North Chicago location, investing $380 million and creating 300 new full-time jobs. This new investment underscores Illinois’ robust and rapidly expanding life sciences ecosystem, supported by a skilled workforce, robust infrastructure, and a strong manufacturing sector.
“AbbVie’s significant investment fortifies Illinois’ position as a global biomanufacturing leader while creating hundreds of new jobs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With our world-class workforce, modern infrastructure, strategic location, and cutting-edge research ecosystem, this expansion underscores why Illinois is the best place to grow and innovate. Together, we’re advancing pharmaceutical manufacturing and R&D and building a stronger economic future for communities across Illinois.”
Guided by Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, Governor Pritzker continues to build the foundation for long-term success by focusing on key growth industries including life sciences and advanced manufacturing. With AbbVie’s investment, Illinois continues to strengthen its position as a global hub for both life sciences and advanced manufacturing.
“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 project includes the construction of two state-of-the-art new facilities to support the production of next-generation neuroscience and obesity-reduction medicines. Over the past six months, AbbVie has announced plans to invest $575 million in North Chicago – including a previously announced $195 million investment to construct a new chemical synthesis API manufacturing facility and add 50 full-time jobs.
“By leveraging our economic development tools, the State of Illinois is supporting AbbVie in their efforts to expand advanced manufacturing, create hundreds of quality jobs, and keep Illinois at the forefront of innovation in next-generation medicines,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards.
As part of the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with the State, AbbVie has committed to creating at least 350 new full-time jobs in Illinois, where it is headquartered and employs more than 11,500 people. In 2025, companies in the EDGE program committed to more than $2.6 billion in investments in communities across Illinois, creating new jobs for the state’s talented workforce and helping local economies thrive.
“AbbVie’s expansion in Illinois reinforces our state’s standing as a global life sciences leader,” said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. “From world-class research institutions and a highly skilled workforce to a deeply integrated manufacturing and logistics network, Illinois offers the full ecosystem required for biopharmaceutical innovation. We are proud that AbbVie continues to grow its legacy here, advancing breakthrough medicines and creating high-quality jobs that strengthen communities across our state.”
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