Design and Construction Report staff writer
Parmaceutical company AbbVie has announced a $195 million investment to expand its manufacturing operations in North Chicago. The project is part of AbbVie’s $10 billion U.S. capital investment plan through 2035 and will fund the construction of a new facility dedicated to producing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Construction is expected to start in fall 2025, with operations projected to begin in 2027.
The new facility will focus on the production of APIs, the key chemical components that provide the therapeutic effects of medications. By expanding its chemical synthesis capacity, AbbVie aims to support the development and manufacture of both current and next-generation therapies in neuroscience, immunology, and oncology. The design includes advanced equipment designed for complex, multi-step chemical production processes, reinforcing the company’s commitment to innovation and domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing.
“AbbVie’s decision to expand its manufacturing footprint in Illinois is a testament to our state’s world-class workforce, infrastructure, and research institutions,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This investment strengthens Illinois’ biomanufacturing ecosystem, creates jobs, and helps bring next-generation medicines to patients.”
AbbVie employs more than 11,000 people in Illinois and roughly 6,000 across the U.S. Under an EDGE (Economic Development for a Growing Economy) agreement with the state, the company has pledged to create at least 50 new full-time jobs within three years. The project is also expected to generate indirect employment through demand for local suppliers, contractors, and specialized services.
