Vetter begins construction of the new production site in Saarlouis

Representatives of the pharmaceutical service provider Vetter, the economic development agency gwSaar, as well as political representatives from the city, district, and state at the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for the new production site in Saarlouis (from left to right): Nicholas H. Vetter, Thomas Schuck, Henryk Badack, Jürgen Barke, Gunther Strothe, Anke Rehlinger, Honorary Senator Udo J. Vetter, Marc Speicher, Patrik Lauer, Wolfgang Kerkhoff. © Vetter Pharma International GmbH

– Pharmaceutical service provider celebrates groundbreaking with project partners and representatives from land and region
– Production building with 50,000 m² area marks the start of construction work
– New location is part of global growth and investment initiatives

Vetter, one of the world's leading pharmaceutical service providers for the aseptic manufacturing of injectable medicines, celebrates the start of construction for the new site in Saarlouis with a traditional groundbreaking ceremony. On the approximately 40-hectare industrial site, a modern production facility for the commercial manufacturing of injectable medicines will be built in the first phase. Overall, Vetter will invest nearly half a billion euros at the site until the planned commissioning in 2031. This underscores the company's strong position as a technology leader with the highest quality standards. Initially, 400 to 500 new jobs are planned. By the final expansion stage of the first construction phase, the pharmaceutical company expects up to 1,500 jobs. In the long term, up to 2,000 jobs are possible.

The first expansion phase includes the construction of a 50,000 m² production building as well as other production-related facilities such as laboratories and warehouses. Initially, three state-of-the-art cleanrooms are planned for the aseptic manufacturing of innovative and complex medicines – two cleanrooms for filling pre-sterilized syringes and one cleanroom for filling vials.

Voices on the groundbreaking ceremony

Senator h.c. Udo J. Vetter, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and member of the family ownership: “The groundbreaking today marks a decisive step for the future of our family business. With the new site in Saarlouis, we are setting the course for further sustainable growth. We are creating the prerequisites to further expand our capacities in the manufacturing of complex medicines and to continue providing our international customers with the resources, quality, and reliability they need and expect from us. At the same time, we are sustainably strengthening the industrial location Germany.”

Anke Rehlinger, Prime Minister of Saarland: “Today is a good day for Saarland: With Vetter, a strong, innovative company is coming to us – and with it, new opportunities for many people. Here in Saarlouis, it shows: structural change succeeds when we actively shape it.”

Jürgen Barke, Minister of Economics of Saarland: “Such a high-tech settlement makes us one of the most desirable locations for the pharmaceutical industry and shows how transformation succeeds: new, sustainable jobs and a strong future industry. This will trigger ripple effects like we have not seen before.”

Patrik Lauer, District Administrator of Saarlouis: “Together with Vetter as an anchor, we want to usher in a new economic era in our region and write another success story. We look forward to a strong company that, with its innovative strength, will attract other businesses from nearby industries. We are ready for this with a well-trained and motivated workforce, an excellent educational offering, and an outstanding infrastructure.”

Marc Speicher, Mayor of Saarlouis: “The settlement of Vetter strengthens the economic location of Saarlouis and Saarland. As a successful, international family business, Vetter fits perfectly with our Saarlouis economic and settlement strategy. Vetter is not only investing here with us in Saarlouis, but we are also entering into a long-term community and development partnership: for a strong economy and good jobs. We processed the settlement at the town hall in record time, and I look forward to the years ahead with Vetter in Saarlouis.”

Global investments in the future

For over 75 years, Vetter has stood for quality, innovation, and responsibility to improve the quality of life for patients worldwide. To meet the growing demand and increasing market requirements, the company is sustainably investing in its pharmaceutical production sites in Germany, Austria, and the USA. With the new site in Saarlouis, Vetter is significantly expanding its production capacities once again.