AbbVie is investing $195 million to expand its manufacturing facility in the City of North Chicago. This is about more than just a building – it’s a strategic move that reinforces Lake County’s leadership in the biopharma industry. The new expansion will:
strengthen production to advance next-generation neuroscience, immunology, and oncology medicines;
create high-quality jobs that enrich Lake County’s tremendous life science leadership; and,
cement the region's status as a premier hub for biomanufacturing due to its world-class workforce, cutting-edge research institutions, infrastructure, cost of living, and culture of innovation.
This announcement is a win for our community and millions of patients worldwide who benefit from the life-changing medicines developed here in Lake County.
Lake County is leading the charge in business-friendly growth and regional innovation. The Chicago Tribune has spotlighted the county’s impressive momentum—highlighting rapid corporate expansion, vibrant startup activity, and a win‑win ecosystem for employers and employees alike.
Leading employers like Abbott, AbbVie, Walgreens, Wintrust, Medline Industries, and others, continue to shape outstanding workplace cultures and earn recognition as top workplaces.
Companies such as Fortune Brands Innovations, RealWheels, AZ Polymers, and Sysmex are scaling up in Lake County, betting on its strong infrastructure, diverse sectors, and forward-thinking development strategy.
Lake County also benefits from a coordinated regional effort - from partners at Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois EDC, World Business Chicago, College of Lake County, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Lake Forest College, Lake County Tech Campus, Lake County Workforce Development, and elsewhere - to advance sustainability, infrastructure investment, and inclusive growth.
Agricultural leaders are planting seeds in Lake County because the community is a hub for talent, education and business — and the Farm Foundation’s decision to launch its Innovation & Education Campus is an example that is now bearing fruit.
The group began its site selection process in 2022, and visited 40+ sites across Illinois before deciding on its Libertyville location, which is now a model of forward-thinking ag education.
Now, the Farm Foundation is leveraging local hands-on programs to grow the next generation of industry leaders in a beautiful, protected setting that inspires learning and hard work.
Jim Connell Exec Director of Community Programs College of Lake County
How would you describe Lake County's manufacturing landscape to someone unfamiliar with it?
Lake County’s manufacturing sector is diverse and high-tech, spanning precision machining, plastics, packaging, computing, and logistics. It’s not the factories of yesterday—it includes computing power, advanced manufacturing technology, and strong community roots.
What makes Lake County stand out compared to other manufacturing regions in the Midwest?
What role do you see collaboration playing among local manufacturers, and how does it benefit the community?
Collaboration is the engine that makes this ecosystem thrive. When manufacturers, educators, and workforce leaders work together, businesses grow stronger, and the entire community benefits from more jobs and innovation. Our Manufacturing Alliance is here to promote and encourage this.
Our Neighborhood Networking Events invite manufacturing neighbors to visit each other’s facility to get a closer look at what they make, as well as get to know each other. We’ve held three events so far, and have already heard stories of companies coming together to discuss possibilities.
Looking ahead, what opportunities or challenges will define the future of manufacturing in Lake County?
The big opportunity is harnessing advanced technology and continuing to build a skilled workforce. The challenge—and the call to action—is making sure more companies engage and invest in that future together.
