PharmaceuticalsNorth Chicago, IllinoisAnnouncement date · Feb 23, 2026

North Chicago Two-API-Facility Expansion

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AbbVie announced February 23, 2026 that it will invest $380 million to build two additional API manufacturing facilities at its North Chicago campus in Lake County, Illinois. The two facilities will use advanced manufacturing and AI-enabled systems to produce next-generation neuroscience and obesity medicines, with operations expected in 2029. AbbVie plans to hire 300 people for this two-building phase, including engineers, scientists, manufacturing operators and laboratory technicians. It is a distinct phase from the $195 million chemical-synthesis facility that broke ground in September 2025: together the three physical facilities total $575 million and 350 new full-time jobs, not $575 million / 300 jobs. The announcement said construction would begin in spring 2026 but no confirmed groundbreaking was available by September 1, 2026, so this phase remains Planning. AFT excludes the prior-phase $195 million / 50 jobs, existing workforce, Illinois EDGE credits and AbbVie's national commitments.

Investment
$380.0M
Permanent jobs announced
300
Status
Planning
Expected opening
2029
Why this project qualifies

With $380 million in facility-specific investment and 300 permanent operating jobs announced, this project clears both of AFT's qualifying thresholds ($100 million in facility-specific investment OR 100 permanent operating jobs). This project also meets AFT's primary-source verification and physical U.S. manufacturing-footprint requirements.

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Why it matters

The pharmaceuticals context.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are committing billions to new U.S. production capacity for active ingredients, injectable medicines, biologics and other high-demand treatments. North Carolina and Indiana remain major centers of investment, while new facilities are being planned across the South. The current project pipeline includes both large greenfield campuses and major expansions of established production sites.

Project record

At a glance

Company
AbbVie
Industry
Pharmaceuticals
Location
North Chicago, Illinois
Investment
$380.0M
Permanent jobs announced
300
Status
Planning
Announced
Feb 23, 2026
Expected opening
2029
Added to tracker
Sep 1, 2026
Sources

Official references

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