Drug maker Eli Lilly & Co. intends to build a $5 billion manufacturing site in Goochland County, the company announced Tuesday, a potential big boost to the region's budding pharmaceutical industry.

The Richmond Times-Dispatch first reported last month that state lawmakers had approved economic development packages for Eli Lilly to build a plant in Goochland and for AstraZeneca to construct one in Albemarle County.

Since the pandemic, local leaders have hoped greater Richmond — and other corners of the state — can become a destination for drug building. Eli Lilly's announcement is an answer to their prayers.

"This is really awesome," said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. "I want to say, welcome to Virginia, Lilly. We're so excited to have you."

Lilly will need about three years to build the fa

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