Lilly to expand Indianapolis insulin factory

INDIANAPOLIS – Eli Lilly is spending $140 million to expand its insulin manufacturing plant in Indianapolis, the drug maker said.

Lilly said it would expand the plant by 80,000 sq. ft., saying it represented one of the most significant investments in its U.S. manufacturing operations in the past decade. Construction is expected to start immediately, with completion planned for March 2014.

“Lilly is committed to providing a full range of innovative treatment options for people with diabetes,” chairman, president and CEO John Lechleiter said. “The need in our country is great, and it is growing. This investment will help us to better meet that need while expanding our advanced manufacturing footprint in our home state, helping to strengthen Indiana's bioscience industry.”