Manufacturing & Quality

Making High-Quality Medicine

We strive for a culture of quality throughout our company, and as a result, quality has become synonymous with the Lilly name. 

We are a leader in developing advanced quality systems that influence every area of our business, from product development to manufacturing and from internal review processes to sales and marketing.

Lilly’s standard of excellence in pharmaceutical manufacturing began in 1876 with founder Eli Lilly’s revolutionary commitment to producing quality medicines that would improve people’s lives. In 1923, Lilly became the first company to manufacture commercial quantities of insulin, paving the way for this life-saving medicine for people with diabetes.

Today, Lilly Global Manufacturing continues to produce essential medicines with the help of more than 12,000 employees spread across 19 manufacturing sites worldwide. With the help of a large network of global external manufacturing partners, we market products in approximately 105 countries.

Our Expectations

• Safety: Medicines are manufactured in a safe environment for employees and the communities surrounding where we manufacture.

• Quality: Lilly Quality and Manufacturing work closely together to ensure people receive medicines made to the highest quality standards.

• Value: Performance productivity is measured by our global manufacturing organisation against best practices, while continuously improving processes and products using good science and Six Sigma methodology.

• Environmental Stewardship: Manufacturing processes are transformed to improve environmental footprint in areas of energy efficiency, waste minimisation and water reduction.
  

Manufacturing Mission

Our manufacturing mission is unattainable without the thousands of employees who are individually devoted to scientific excellence, quality, efficiency and integrity.

Through our four core principles, we are committed to making high-quality medicines for people around the world:

Patient-Centered

When making any major decision, the first question is, “What does the science tell us about how this situation may impact our patients?”. People are at the core of our commitment and serve as the driving force behind our work.

Science-Based Approach

A science-based approach is critical to the medicine manufacturing process. From development to transportation, each medicine requires unique development and process controls. Specialised knowledge and highly controlled environments are vital to ensure a reliable supply of medicines.

Precision and Technology

Every aspect of production is thoughtful. We make medicines that people put into their bodies. Every dosage and every capsule has to be precise each time. We empower everyone with the ability to stop production if things are unsafe or go unexpectedly. Continually critiquing our processes and, where appropriate, bringing in new technologies ensure our rigorous quality standards are always met.

Collaboration

Making medicines is collaborative. We have biologists, microbiologists, chemists, material scientists, engineers and other experts in Technical Services who have deep technical and scientific drug-making knowledge. We work with colleagues throughout the life cycle of the medicine to ensure the product stays consistent. Collaboration between teams results in innovative products and new approaches to making high-quality medicines.