AbbVie to invest $380 million in North Chicago campus to make next generation medicines

Pharmaceutical giant AbbVie is planning a $380 million investment in two new manufacturing facilities at its campus in North Chicago.

Construction is planned to start in spring on the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) facilities, which will integrate advanced manufacturing technologies with artificial intelligence in production of the company's next generation neuroscience and obesity medications.

The recent announcement shows progress in AbbVie's $100 billion commitment to U.S. research and development and capital investments over the next decade, Robert A. Michael, chairman and chief executive officer said in a news release.

“By strengthening our 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,” Michael said.

Manufacturing APIs is a complex, multistep process that involves producing the active components responsible for a medication’s therapeutic effects, according to the company.

Plans for two manufacturing buildings follow the announcement last August of a separate $195 million manufacturing facility in North Chicago bringing new planned investments in the city to $575 million.

The most recent announcement was hailed by city, state and local officials.

“This expansion strengthens our city's foundation as a leader in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing while creating meaningful job opportunities for our residents,” said Mayor Leon Rockingham.

Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart said AbbVie's investment is a “major win” for the county and “a game changer for the broader U.S. biomanufacturing ecosystem.”

Lake County Partners is the county's economic development arm. President and CEO Kevin Considine said AbbVie’s announcements caps an “incredible streak of wins in Lake County and Chicagoland.”

“As the home of the largest life science cluster in the Midwest, Lake County provides the unmatched talent, industry leaders, world-class research institution and integrated transportation access that is integral to business success,” he said in a news release.

AbbVie plans to hire 300 workers in North Chicago including engineers, scientists, manufacturing operators and lab technicians. The two facilities are expected to be fully operational in 2029.

The company employs more than 11,500 in Illinois.