AbbVie Invests $380 Million In AI-Integrated API Facilities To Expand U.S. Manufacturing Capacity

AbbVie announced a $380 million investment to construct two new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facilities at its North Chicago, Illinois campus. The state-of-the-art plants will incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies and artificial intelligence to support production of the company’s next-generation neuroscience and obesity therapies. Construction is set to begin in spring 2026, with both facilities expected to be operational by 2029.

To support the expansion, AbbVie plans to hire approximately 300 new employees in North Chicago, including engineers, scientists, manufacturing operators and laboratory technicians. The investment strengthens the company’s domestic API capabilities, a critical and complex component of drug manufacturing that involves producing the active compounds responsible for therapeutic effects.

"This milestone demonstrates further progress against our $100 billion commitment to U.S. R&D and capital investments over the next decade," said Robert A. Michael, chairman and chief executive officer, AbbVie. "By strengthening our U.S. manufacturing capabilities, we are well-positioned to support our investment in innovation and enhance our ability to deliver next-generation medicines to patients."

This move builds on AbbVie’s broader U.S. manufacturing expansion announced over the past six months. In September 2025, the company broke ground on a new chemical synthesis facility aimed at bringing select API production for neuroscience, immunology and oncology medicines back to the United States from Europe and Asia. The latest investment further reinforces its long-term commitment to Illinois, where AbbVie is headquartered and employs more than 11,500 people.

Beyond Illinois, AbbVie recently revealed plans to acquire a device manufacturing site in Arizona and expand operations in Massachusetts. The company is also in discussions with several U.S. states regarding additional manufacturing investments, with further announcements expected in 2026.