New $3. 5B Lilly Plant to Bring Jobs and Green Ideas to Lehigh Valley

A major pharmaceutical company is proposing a $3.5 billion manufacturing plant on about 150 acres of farmland north of I‑78 and west of Fogelsville. The project could create 850 permanent jobs and nearly 2,000 construction positions, while prompting a review of local traffic plans.

Site & Infrastructure

• Location: Upper Macungie Township, 150 acres of farmland.
• Existing Utilities: Water, sewer, and road connections already in place.

Traffic & Access

Town officials are scrutinizing the plan to avoid congestion on Main Street and nearby residences.

Mitigation Measures:

• Third gated entrance to an onsite substation.
• Additional parking, driveways, and signage.
• Proposed bus stop with benches, shelter, lights, and trash cans.

Environmental Safeguards

• Waterways: Two streams feed Little Lehigh Creek; a 150‑foot buffer required.
• Groundwater: County well near parking entrance must be protected.
• Geology: Limestone caves and depressions necessitate thorough underground testing.

Green Building Initiatives

• Solar panels
• Green roofs
• Geothermal heating
• Graywater recycling for irrigation
• Electric charging stations for visitors
• Alternative fuel options for trucks and tractors
• Expanded sidewalks to the east side
• Bike racks at entrances

Timeline

If approved, the facility will transform raw drug materials into finished medicines and devices, boosting the local economy while adhering to environmental and traffic standards.