Eli Lilly pauses $5B Chesterfield expansion plans
TL;DR: Eli Lilly's $5 billion biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Goochland County faces construction delays as it awaits regulatory approval for required electrical infrastructure.
Quick facts
- Who: Eli Lilly and Company
- What: Delays to $5 billion pharmaceutical manufacturing facility due to transmission line approval requirements
- When: Announced September 2025; awaiting SCC decision summer 2026
- Where: West Creek Business Park, Goochland County (12575 West Creek Parkway)
The story
Eli Lilly and Company announced plans in September 2025 to build a $5 billion state-of-the-art pharmaceutical manufacturing facility at West Creek Business Park in Goochland County. The facility is designed to manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients for cancer and autoimmune disease treatments, with plans to create 650 permanent jobs and approximately 1,800 construction jobs.
As of June 2026, the 227-acre site remains largely dormant and fenced off, with no visible construction activity. The company has not yet purchased the property from current owner Markel Corporation, according to property records. Goochland County officials confirmed that site work has not begun, though they report working collaboratively with Lilly to review the site plan and process required permits, including a land disturbance permit currently under review.
The primary obstacle to construction is electrical infrastructure. The proposed facility requires approximately 33 to 37 megawatts of electric power, which existing substations in the Goochland load area cannot accommodate. Dominion Energy has proposed a new double-circuit, 230-kilovolt transmission line to support the facility, estimated to cost $87 million. The Virginia State Corporation Commission is reviewing the project and is expected to issue a decision this summer.
Assuming SCC approval, construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in summer 2027 and be completed in 2028. The project represents one of Eli Lilly's four major new U.S. manufacturing sites announced as part of a broader expansion to increase domestic biopharmaceutical production capacity.
Key players
- Eli Lilly and Company: Pharmaceutical manufacturer planning $5 billion facility
- Markel Corporation: Current property owner of West Creek Business Park site
- Dominion Energy: Utility company proposing new transmission line for electrical infrastructure
- Virginia State Corporation Commission: Regulatory body reviewing and approving transmission line project
Key dates
- 2025-09-16: Eli Lilly announces $5 billion manufacturing facility project
- 2026-06-24: SCC decision on transmission line expected summer 2026
- 2027-06-01: Tentative construction start date (pending approvals)
- 2028-06-01: Tentative facility completion date
The case for
The facility would bring significant economic benefits to the region: 650 permanent high-wage jobs for skilled manufacturing workers, 1,800 construction jobs during the three-year build period, and substantial tax revenue and economic activity for Goochland County. The project positions Virginia as a hub for advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and helps secure domestic supply chains for critical medications. The facility also represents confidence in Virginia's workforce, regulatory environment, and infrastructure potential.
The case against
The project requires substantial public infrastructure investment, with Dominion proposing an $87 million transmission line to serve primarily one customer. The transmission line route has generated community opposition, with residents along the proposed route raising concerns about land use, environmental impacts, and property values. The long timeline (construction not expected to begin until 2027, completion in 2028) delays economic benefits and raises questions about whether infrastructure costs should be borne by the utility and its ratepayers rather than the private company benefiting from the facility.
Why it matters: The project represents one of the largest manufacturing investments in the region and could reshape Goochland County's economic profile. However, the delays and infrastructure requirements illustrate the challenges Virginia faces in competing for major industrial projects. The outcome will signal whether the state and utilities can mobilize necessary infrastructure for large employers.
Places
Development timeline
- 2025-09-16Eli Lilly announces $5 billion Virginia manufacturing project: Governor Glenn Youngkin and company leadership announce plans to build biopharmaceutical facility in Goochland County with $5 billion investment and 650 permanent jobs [[source]](https://investor.lilly.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lilly-announces-plans-build-5-billion-manufacturing-facility)
- 2025-10-09Richmond United vacates West Creek soccer complex: Sports venue clears site in advance of Eli Lilly facility construction [[source]](https://richmondbizsense.com/2025/10/09/richmond-united-to-vacate-west-creek-soccer-complex-make-way-for-5b-eli-lilly-pharma-facility/)
- 2026-06-24Project awaits transmission line approval: SCC review of Dominion's proposed $87 million transmission line project continues; decision expected summer 2026 [[source]](https://richmondbizsense.com/2026/06/24/massive-eli-lilly-project-in-goochland-awaits-scc-approval-of-new-dominion-transmission-line/)
Related links
- Eli Lilly company announcement of Virginia facility
- Virginia Economic Development Partnership
- Goochland County Economic Development
- Virginia State Corporation Commission
Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 (YouTube) →
Sources
- Eli Lilly investor relations announcement
- Richmond BizSense coverage of transmission line review (June 24, 2026)
- Virginia Economic Development Partnership
- Engineering News-Record