Vetter Breaks Ground on $285M Clinical Manufacturing Facility in Des Plaines, Illinois
Des Plaines, IL & Ravensburg, Germany – June 27, 2025 – Vetter, a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has officially launched construction on its new clinical manufacturing facility in Des Plaines, Illinois. A groundbreaking ceremony was held June 26, signaling a significant milestone in the company’s U.S. expansion and its strategic investment in early-phase injectable drug development.
With an estimated $285 million investment, the 160,000-square-foot facility will serve as a center for aseptic clinical manufacturing operations and will include material preparation areas, compounding zones, laboratories, storage, and offices. The new site is scheduled to be ready for media fill by the end of 2029, with Vetter planning to relocate operations from its existing Skokie site at that time.
“Today’s groundbreaking ceremony marks another significant milestone within our continuing expansion plans,” said Senator h.c. Udo J. Vetter, Chairman of the Advisory Board and member of the owner family. “The new site will not only demonstrate our enhanced clinical operations and manufacturing capabilities but will also expand our presence in the U.S. significantly.”
Local Support and Economic Impact
City leaders welcomed the investment, pointing to the facility’s long-term economic benefits.
“In the current economic climate, it is a positive sign to see an international company like Vetter making a significant investment to expand their footprint here in the Chicago suburbs,” said Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski. “This new facility will create high-quality jobs for our residents and bolster our local economy.”
Vetter began early groundwork in April after receiving building permits, and the Des Plaines location offers ample flexibility for future growth. With 860,000 square feet available on the property, the company has options for further expansion depending on customer demand and market developments.
A Strategic Global Move
Vetter Managing Director Henryk Badack emphasized the project’s role within the company’s broader global network.
“This facility marks the beginning of a new chapter in our U.S. success story,” Badack stated. “Together with our clinical site in Rankweil, Austria, we will be able to meet the increasing development needs of our customers while reinforcing our industry position as a reliable partner for low-volume injectables of innovative drug candidates during the crucial early development phases.”
The project also honors Vetter’s long-standing U.S. presence at the Illinois Science + Technology Park in Skokie. “We want to express our deep gratitude for the warm hospitality of the Illinois Science + Technology Park since 2009, hosting and supporting our successful start of U.S. manufacturing operations,” said Vetter.
Construction Industry and Pharma Development Outlook
Construction leaders in the Chicago area welcomed the project as a boost to the region’s life sciences infrastructure.
“This type of long-range pharmaceutical investment shows strong confidence in Illinois as a biotech hub,” said a regional construction consultant familiar with the project. “The industry ripple effects—from trades employment to local supplier contracts—will be significant.”
The new facility will enhance Vetter’s ability to serve clients from early development through clinical production, aligning with increasing demand from biotech and pharmaceutical companies seeking flexible, high-quality injectable manufacturing capabilities.
About Vetter
Founded in 1950, Vetter remains a family-owned company with more than 7,000 employees worldwide. Headquartered in Ravensburg, Germany, the CDMO supports drug development and manufacturing from early clinical stages to commercial supply. The company is known for its sustainability leadership, innovative prefilled drug delivery systems, and high-quality standards, holding gold status from EcoVadis and recognition from multiple CDMO Leadership Awards.
Originally reported by Bio Space.