The American pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has received approval from the Katwijk municipal council to build a $3 billion pharmaceutical factory near the Valkenburgse Meer in Katwijk. The factory will focus on producing diabetes and weight loss medications and is expected to employ around 500 people. Despite a petition signed by hundreds of residents requesting a referendum on the project, the council voted 28-4 in favor of granting the building permit. Further permits will be required for production and waste water discharge. Due to current limitations with the power grid, Eli Lilly will initially use gas turbines to generate its own electricity. The decision follows eleven months of planning by the American firm, citing proximity to airports and the Leiden Bio Science Park as key factors in its choice of Katwijk, although local concerns regarding water usage, energy consumption, and environmental impact were raised. Ultimately, the council prioritized the expected economic benefits of the investment.