Pharmaceutical company AbbVie revealed Monday its plans to spend $380 million constructing two new manufacturing plants at its Illinois headquarters, boosting domestic production capabilities for brain-related and weight-loss medications.
This major investment comes as drug manufacturers rush to strengthen their American manufacturing operations following the Trump administration’s significant tariffs on pharmaceutical imports. Federal officials implemented a 100% tariff on brand-name medications in October, though companies that had already started building U.S. facilities were exempt.
Construction on the new North Chicago, Illinois facilities will kick off in spring 2026, with both plants expected to reach full operation by 2029, according to company officials.
The facilities will incorporate cutting-edge manufacturing technology and artificial intelligence to help produce medications currently in development, AbbVie stated. Company representatives noted that creating active pharmaceutical ingredients – the core chemical compounds in medications – represents one of the most challenging aspects of drug production.
AbbVie expects to bring on 300 new employees at the North Chicago location, including engineers, scientists, production workers, and laboratory technicians.
This latest announcement builds on AbbVie’s January commitment to invest $100 billion in American research and development over ten years, which included a separate $195 million expansion at the same Illinois site to increase production of treatments for immune system disorders, cancer, and neurological conditions.
The pharmaceutical company currently operates 11 manufacturing locations across the United States and is exploring additional projects with several states, with more investment announcements expected in 2026.
