Vetter celebrates groundbreaking for clinical manufacturing site in the USA

Bird's-eye view of the current Vetter site in Des Plaines, where the new manufacturing plant is being built. © Vetter Pharma International GmbH

Participants of the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new clinical production site (from left to right): Tom Kikta, Wolfgang Kerkhoff, Gunther Strothe, Dr. Susanne Lemaine, Honorary Senator Udo J. Vetter, Andrew Goczkowski, Thomas Otto, Thomas Rübkeil, Henryk Badack, RT Evans. © Vetter Pharma International GmbH

– Completion is scheduled for the end of 2029
– Modern location with a holistic approach for state-of-the-art manufacturing processes
– Conditions created for increased capacities in early clinical filling

Vetter, a global partner of pharmaceutical and biotech companies for the production of some life-saving medications, ceremoniously broke ground on June 26 for the construction of its new clinical site in Des Plaines. The relevant building permit was obtained by the pharmaceutical service provider in April of this year, after which the initial work on the site began. With an investment of approximately 250 million euros, the project underscores Vetter's sustainable commitment to offering high-quality services for early clinical development.

“In the current economic situation, it is a positive signal that an international company like Vetter is making such a significant investment to expand its presence here in the Greater Chicago area,” explained Andrew Goczkowski, Mayor of Des Plaines. “This new site will create high-quality jobs and also enrich our local economy. We look forward to welcoming Vetter here in Des Plaines.”

Planned operational start 2029

The construction plans include a roughly 15,000 square meter clinical manufacturing facility for material preparation, solution production, and aseptic filling. Additional buildings provide space for material storage, laboratories, and offices. The clinical site is expected to be completed by the end of 2029 and to have achieved the status "Ready for Mediafill." Subsequently, Vetter plans to fully relocate its current clinical operations from Skokie to Des Plaines.

“The groundbreaking today is another milestone in our ongoing expansion plans,” said Senator h.c. Udo J. Vetter, Chairman of the Advisory Board and member of the family ownership. “With the new building, we can offer our customers even better clinical processes and capacities, while significantly strengthening our presence in the USA. We would like to extend a big thank you to the representatives of the Illinois Science + Technology Park, who welcomed us warmly in 2009 and have supported our local production activities ever since.”

Vetter representatives, community representatives, and other guests gathered on the site in Des Plaines for the ceremonial groundbreaking. During the event, the construction plans were presented, and the significance of the project for Vetter was highlighted.

Flexible expansion options

“This new location marks the beginning of a new chapter in our success story in the USA,” explained Vetter CEO Henryk Badack. “Together with our clinical site in Rankweil, Austria, we can meet the increasing needs of our customers in their complex development projects and strengthen our position as a reliable partner, especially during the important early phases of innovative drug development.”

The existing buildings on the site in Des Plaines will be retained. With 80,000 square meters, the property offers ideal conditions for strategic expansion—aligned with international market movements, customer requirements, and investment plans in Germany and Austria.

The company, founded in 1950 as a pharmacy in Ravensburg, celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. The family-owned business has since stood for quality, responsibility, and a strong commitment to improving the quality of life for patients worldwide.