Global pharmaceutical manufacturer Vetter has confirmed plans to build a major new injectable-drug production facility in Saarland, southwest Germany, marking one of the largest investments in the company’s history and a cornerstone of its long-term growth strategy.

 

The state-of-the-art commercial production plant will be built on a 95-acre site in Saarlouis, acquired at the end of 2024. Construction is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with initial capital expenditure of approximately €480 million. Operations are expected to start in 2031.

 

Vetter said the project could create up to 2,000 jobs over the long term, providing a significant boost to the regional economy. The European Commission has approved up to €47 million in state aid to support the development.

 

"With the construction of our new production facility in Germany, we continue on our path to sustainable growth. Long-term success derives from striking the right balance between stability and expansion," emphasizes Senator Udo J Vetter, Chairman of the Advisory Board and member of the owner family. 

 

“With our investments in the state of Saarland, only a five hour drive away from our headquarters in Ravensburg, we are strengthening our commitment to Germany’s economic landscape while reaffirming our engagement as a strategic partner to the global pharmaceutical market.”

 

The Saarlouis site was selected after extensive strategic evaluation, with Vetter citing the region’s industrial infrastructure and long-term development potential as key advantages.

 

The German expansion comes as Vetter accelerates investment across its global footprint. The company has recently begun construction of a new clinical production facility in Des Plaines, Illinois, focused on aseptic manufacturing for early-stage clinical development.

 

With more than 75 years of experience in sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing, Vetter is expanding capacity to meet rising global demand. In addition to the planned Saarland facility, the company continues to invest heavily in existing sites across Germany, Austria, and the United States.

 

The new commercial plant is expected to significantly strengthen Vetter’s position as a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization, supporting pharmaceutical and biotech customers worldwide as they scale from development to commercial production.