Vetter, a global leader in pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing (CDMO), has officially broken ground on a new state-of-the-art clinical manufacturing facility in Des Plaines, Illinois. This $285 million investment marks a significant milestone in the company’s strategic expansion and is designed to bolster its aseptic manufacturing capabilities for early clinical development. The facility is expected to be ready for media fill by the end of 2029.
Project Highlights
Located just outside of Chicago, the site spans approximately 860,000 square feet and will accommodate future expansions based on global market demands. The new facility will include:
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160,000 square feet dedicated to clinical aseptic production
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Process areas for material preparation and compounding
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Supporting infrastructure including warehouses, laboratories, and administrative offices
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Preservation of existing buildings on the property
Ground preparation began in April 2024, and a formal groundbreaking ceremony was held with local officials, company leadership, and industry stakeholders in attendance.
"This project marks another milestone in our international growth strategy. It underscores our commitment to quality and innovation, as well as our responsibility to our customers, partners, and patients around the world."
Chairman of the vAdvisory Board | Senator H.C .Udo J. Vetter
Strengthening North American Operations
The new Des Plaines site adds to Vetter’s established presence in North America, supplementing existing facilities in Skokie, Illinois, and Rankweil, Austria. It represents a cornerstone in the company’s broader global strategy.
Pharma Manufacturing reports that in 2024, Vetter celebrated its 75th anniversary and reported annual revenues exceeding €1.1 billion—an 11% increase over the previous year.
Construction Scope and Timeline
The new facility will be built in phases to ensure operational flexibility and scalability. Once completed, it will feature integrated cold storage, logistics, and pharmaceutical-grade production areas. The facility is expected to reach media fill readiness by late 2029.
Trades and Workforce Involved
A wide array of skilled workers and technical professionals will contribute to the construction and development of the site. Key roles include:
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Site preparation crews and excavation teams
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Concrete formers and structural steelworkers
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HVAC and plumbing contractors
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Electrical technicians for cleanroom and pharmaceutical systems
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Cleanroom assembly specialists and insulation experts
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Process and validation engineers
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Construction supervisors, architects, and CAD designers
Once operational, the site will require highly trained staff for aseptic processing, quality assurance, laboratory operations, and administrative support.
Part of a Global Growth Strategy
Vetter’s investment in Des Plaines is part of a larger, ongoing expansion initiative. In Germany, the company is enhancing its Langenargen facility and planning a new production site in Saarland. Additionally, Vetter is expanding its Center for Visual Inspection and Logistics in the Erlen Industrial Area.
That project, with a capital outlay exceeding €150 million, will add 16,000 pallet positions for cold storage, raising the company’s total to 68,000. It is expected to be completed by 2028.
A Future-Focused Facility
The Des Plaines development is more than just a manufacturing site—it is a symbol of Vetter’s enduring commitment to pharmaceutical innovation and quality. It also represents a vital economic investment in the Chicago region, generating local jobs and reinforcing the U.S. supply chain for clinical pharmaceuticals.
Once operational, the facility will provide essential small-batch production capabilities for new active pharmaceutical ingredients, serving as a cornerstone for clinical trials and drug development around the world.
