Vetter invests US$285m in Chicago production facility

Vetter received the building permit for the new site in April 2025. With an investment of approximately US$285m, this new facility underscores Vetter’s dedication to delivering high-quality services and drug products during early clinical development. “This new facility will create high-quality jobs for our residents and bolster our local economy,” said Des Plaines Mayor Andrew Goczkowski. “We are excited to welcome Vetter as a valued member of our Des Plaines community.”

Upstream and ground preparation work on the premises started back in April. Vetter’s construction plans include a 160,000 square feet clinical production facility for aseptic manufacturing. The site will also feature new process areas for material preparation and compounding. Additional buildings will include supporting services like storage, laboratories, and offices. The clinical site is expected to be completed and ready for media fill by the end of 2029, with subsequent relocation plans of Vetter’s current clinical operations in Skokie.

“This facility marks the beginning of a new chapter in our U.S. success story,” stated Vetter Managing Director Henryk Badack. “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, among others.”

The existing buildings in the Des Plaines area will be retained. With 860,000 square feet the property also provides ample space for future expansion opportunities. These will depend on global market developments and customer demand, as well as additional investment projects currently underway at Vetterin Germany and Austria.

Founded in 1950 as a pharmacy in Ravensburg, Germany, the independent family-owned company celebrates its 75^th anniversary this year.