Eli Lilly Chooses Goochland for Multibillion Dollar Campus

Governor Glenn Youngkin and state partners announced earlier in 2025 that Eli Lilly and Company selected West Creek Business Park in Goochland County for a new pharmaceutical manufacturing campus. The county release describes the investment as multibillion dollar in scale, with construction jobs during the build phase and hundreds of long term positions for scientists, technicians, engineers and skilled trades workers.

The announcement marks a significant economic shift for Goochland. Short term activity will boost demand for local contractors, suppliers and temporary labor. Over the longer term the project will expand the county tax base through payroll and business property, while increasing demand for housing, child care, transportation and other services. High paying positions concentrated in life sciences and advanced manufacturing are likely to raise average wages and change the local labor market profile.

Local and state economic development agencies played a central role. The Goochland Economic Development Authority worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Governor's office to secure the project. That collaboration signals continued use of state and local tools to attract large scale manufacturing investment, and it increases the likelihood that workforce training and recruitment programs will be implemented to fill technical roles.

There are also practical considerations for residents. Increased truck and commuter traffic could put pressure on roads and utilities near West Creek Business Park. Schools and housing markets may face rising enrollment and rental demand. Local leaders will need to balance infrastructure upgrades with preservation of community character and farmland that remain important to Goochland County.

For now the county describes the project as a multibillion dollar investment that will create both construction phase jobs and hundreds of long term, high paying positions. Residents seeking the latest information on site work, permitting or workforce programs should monitor county economic development updates and state announcements as the project moves from planning into construction. The campus represents an important step in expanding Virginia's life sciences footprint while reshaping Goochland's economic landscape.