AbbVie Investing $380 Million in New Pharmaceutical Plants in North Chicago

The two new facilities will create 300 jobs and are part of the drugmaker's broader $100 billion investment plan in the U.S. over the next decade.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Global pharmaceutical company AbbVie announced it will invest $380 million to build two new manufacturing facilities at its North Chicago campus. The plants will produce active pharmaceutical ingredients for AbbVie's obesity and neuroscience medications and create at least 300 full-time jobs. Construction will begin this spring, with the facilities expected to open in 2029.

Why it matters

AbbVie's significant investment in North Chicago further solidifies Illinois' position as a global leader in biomanufacturing and life sciences, aligning with the state's economic growth plan to expand key industries like advanced manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

The details

The new $380 million facilities will manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients for AbbVie's obesity and neuroscience drugs. In addition to the 300 full-time jobs, the plants will employ engineers, scientists, manufacturing operators, and lab technicians. Construction is set to begin this spring, with the facilities scheduled to open in 2029.

  • Construction will start this spring.
  • The new facilities are expected to open in 2029.

The players

AbbVie

A global pharmaceutical company headquartered in North Chicago.

Robert Michael

The CEO of AbbVie.

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois.

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What they’re saying

“This milestone demonstrates further progress against AbbVie's $100 billion commitment to U.S. research and development, and capital investments over the next decade.”

— Robert Michael, CEO, AbbVie (suntimes.com)

“AbbVie's significant investment fortifies Illinois' position as a global biomanufacturing leader while creating hundreds of new jobs.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (suntimes.com)

What’s next

Construction on the new $380 million facilities is set to begin this spring, with the plants expected to open in 2029.

The takeaway

AbbVie's $380 million investment in new pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in North Chicago underscores Illinois' growing strength in the life sciences and advanced manufacturing sectors, creating hundreds of new high-quality jobs and solidifying the state's position as a global biomanufacturing hub.