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The Eli Lilly & Company factory in Alcobendas is set to see a 30% rise in its production as it takes on part of the workload from Indianapolis. In doing so, the United States is added to the long list of countries the plant exports its drugs to.

This will entail a new investment in the plant in order to adjust it to a greater volume and prepare it to produce a wider array of drugs. In numbers, adding to the eight million euros that the company invests in this factory every year, this will involve a further eleven million to adapt the facilities and acquire new technology.

 

Why the plant in Alcobendas?
This factory is an international benchmark and acts as a strategic center for Lilly. Up until last year, it produced only dry drugs for oral use. Since then, part of the production of vials and devices was brought over from Germany, which meant it had to be more versatile, and also created 446 new jobs. The plant now exports 85% of its production to 129 countries, with a turnover of 2 billion euros, producing 66 million packages and 520 million doses. In 2017, once the adaptation process is over, it will produce roughly 73 million packages – 15% more – and 700 million doses – i.e., over 30% more than its current figure. Employment opportunities are also expected to rise.

 

What is Lilly's history in Spain?
Lilly is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. May 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of the company's operations in Spain. Over half a century, this branch has become one of the company's most important components worldwide and accounts for over 12% of its overall turnover. The premises in Alcobendas cover ten hectares, with a built area of 40,000 m2, and were opened in 1968. The facilities house the only dry oral drug manufacturing plant – including tablets and capsules – outside America, as well as the company's most important R&D center in Europe.

 

How many employees does it currently have?
Altogether, there are 1221 employees in Spain 41% work in sales, 34% in production, 17% in research, 6% in assistance and 2% in strategic planning.

 

How much of its turnover goes towards R&D?
Over 24% of the company's worldwide income is devoted to R&D. In 2013, that meant 5.53 billion dollars – that is, 21 million dollars a day. 18% of its global workforce is allocated to research and development. In Spain in 2013, 37.1 million euros were invested, which means almost 15% of sales turnover.