It’s official: Eli Lilly and Co. owns the land in Upper Macungie Township where it plans to build a large pharmaceutical plant.
Lehigh County property records show that Lilly paid $74.79 million for the 150 acres along Main Street, also known as Old Route 22, just west of Fogelsville. The papers were signed earlier in July.
The seller was the estate of Fred J. Jaindl, which was represented by co-executors David M. Jaindl, Mark W. Jaindl and Mary Ellen Jaindl Roper. The parcels, which consist of 8540, 8550, 8810, 9046, 9078, 9082 and 9201 Main St., were purchased piecemeal by Jaindl over the years from local landowners and PPL.
Lilly, along with Lehigh Valley business and political leaders, on Jan. 31 announced the $3.5 billion project, the largest business investment in the region’s history and the largest life science investment in state history. The complex will include an 800,000 square-foot manufacturing facility along with a visitors center, administrative offices and an automated warehouse.
The upcoming construction project, which is expected to begin this year, will employ 2,000 construction workers.
When fully complete in 2031, Lilly plans to have 850 employees.