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AbbVie is committing $380 millions to expand its manufacturing footprint in North Chicago, specifically focusing on the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. This project is a foundational part of a 100 billion dollar investment in US research and development and capital infrastructure over the next decade.

The two new facilities will support the production of medications for neuroscience and obesity, areas of medicine that are seeing rapid growth and high demand. By bringing more of this production to the US, the company is making a clear statement about the importance of supply chain resilience and domestic capacity.

The facilities will utilize advanced manufacturing technologies and artificial intelligence to ensure that production processes are efficient and precise. This technological integration is necessary for the complex chemical synthesis required for modern pharmaceutical products.

The project is also a significant driver for the local economy, as it is expected to create 300 new jobs for engineers, scientists, and operators. These roles will add to the existing workforce of more than 11,500 people in Illinois.

Support for the project comes in part from the Illinois EDGE program, which provides an estimated 25 million dollars in tax credits over 15 years. This highlights the role of state level incentives in attracting large scale industrial investments. This expansion follows a 195 million dollar facility that broke ground in September 2025, which was also designed to help reshore production from international markets.

By centralizing these operations in North Chicago, the company can better manage its supply chain and reduce the risks associated with global logistics. The transition toward domestic production of active pharmaceutical ingredients is a strategic move that addresses long standing vulnerabilities in the medical supply chain. As these new plants become operational, they will represent some of the most advanced manufacturing sites in the world, combining digital innovation with physical production.

Source:AbbVie News Center

Image credits:AbbVie News Center