South Korea Celltrion secured a deal to purchase a major Eli Lilly manufacturing site in New Jersey for $330 million. The acquisition strengthens the company’s global presence and expands its production capacity in the United States.
Celltrion stated that the total initial investment will reach $500 million, including plant operating costs. In addition, the company revealed plans to expand the facilities on unused land within the site. That expansion will require at least another $500 million. Therefore, Celltrion expects to spend no less than $1 billion, or 1.4 trillion won, on the acquisition and expansion.
South Korea Celltrion emphasized that the investment is more efficient than building a new site in Korea. Chair and founder Seo Jung-jin explained the reasoning during a virtual conference. He said that the acquisition removes tariff risks and accelerates the timeline for production. According to him, the plant could begin producing Celltrion products by the end of 2026. Half of the facility will produce Celltrion’s treatments, while the other half will continue Eli Lilly’s output.
Along with the purchase, Celltrion signed a contract manufacturing organization deal with Eli Lilly. This step strengthens collaboration and ensures production continuity. The New Jersey plant currently operates under Good Manufacturing Practice standards, so it already meets strict global requirements.
Seo highlighted that the acquisition saves significant cost and time. He estimated that building a new plant from scratch would require 1.5 trillion won more and six extra years. Retaining the existing American workforce also prevents delays and ensures immediate operational readiness.
Once Celltrion completes the expansion, the facility will have a capacity 50 percent larger than Plant 2 in Incheon. That equals about 135,000 liters annually. This boost in scale will help the company meet rising global demand for biopharmaceuticals.
Seo also discussed the possibility of entering Europe if tariffs expand there. He noted that while no signals exist yet, the company will consider securing a European site if trade risks emerge.
Regarding US visa issues, Seo clarified that Celltrion’s Korean employees use E-2 visas. He confirmed that the company reviewed the matter last year and faced no difficulties with American authorities.
South Korea Celltrion continues to expand aggressively into overseas markets. With this deal, the company strengthens its global supply chain and reduces risk, while also saving costs and time.
