Cabarrus Today

Eli Lilly and Company is set to invest $1 billion in a new manufacturing campus in Cabarrus County, North Carolina. This development will create nearly 600 jobs with an average salary exceeding $70,000. The announcement marks the second major economic initiative for The Grounds at Concord, previously the site of a Philip Morris plant.

“This will change the landscape of biotech in this part of our state,” said Page Castrodale, Executive Director of Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation. “It expands North Carolina’s life sciences industry into the Charlotte region in a very transformative way, bringing tremendous opportunity with it.”

The project involves creating 589 positions for skilled workers such as scientists and engineers. Additionally, about 500 jobs will be needed during construction starting this year. Lilly's facility aims to produce injectable products and devices within an 800,000-square-foot campus featuring five buildings.

"Lilly is entering an exciting period of growth and we are committed to delivering innovative medicines to patients around the world," stated Edgardo Hernandez, senior vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. "Expanding our manufacturing footprint in North Carolina enables us to continue to produce today’s medicines while providing additional capacity to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow."

Concord was chosen due to its experienced local workforce, proximity to universities with strong STEM programs, and access to major transportation infrastructure.

“We are a work-ready community with a pipeline of success,” said Steve Morris, Chair of the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners. “We have depth in education, skill and talent and our location is second-to-none."

A virtual celebration on January 28 featured state and local officials including Concord Mayor Bill Dusch and NC Department of Commerce Secretary Machelle Sanders. State Job Development Investment Grants were approved earlier that day by the North Carolina Economic Investment Committee.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lilly as they usher in a new era of biotechnology in our region," said Mayor Bill Dusch.

Cabarrus County and City of Concord officials plan meetings on February 10 regarding local incentives for the investment. Performance-based property tax grants are proposed based on $920 million of Lilly's investment contingent upon meeting performance goals.

The Cabarrus EDC collaborated with several organizations including Cabarrus County, City of Concord, North Carolina General Assembly among others for this project which began evaluation in 2021 alongside another major economic milestone involving Red Bull at The Grounds at Concord.

In addition to Red Bull's plans for a beverage hub expected next year; Carvana and Golden Home also join developments at The Grounds where over 600 acres remain available for future projects.