Pfizer invests $465mn to develop new pharmaceutical production facility

Pfizer is set to invest $465 million in the development of one of the most technically advanced sterile injectable pharmaceutical production facilities in the world.

Situated in Portage, Michigan, the move will strengthen the company’s ability to produce and supply critical, life-saving injectable medicines for patients worldwide.

At present, Pfizer has an existing plant in Kalamazoo County, which supports over 2,000 employees. Known as Modular Aseptic Processing (MAP), the new, multi-storey, 400,000-square-foot production facility will also support local economy through the creation of 450 new jobs.

“This investment is part of our overall plan announced in January to invest approximately $5bn in US based capital projects as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” explained Ian Read, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

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“During the next six years, we expect to invest approximately $1.1bn in Kalamazoo County – which is in addition to the $1bn we have invested over the past decade. Every day, we strive to enhance our ability to bring medicines to the patients who need them, and the new facility we are building in Michigan will help us continue to deliver therapies that significantly improve people's lives.”

“This investment will strengthen Pfizer’s leadership in sterile manufacturing technology and help meet growing patient demand,” added Kirsten Lund-Jurgensen, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and President, Pfizer Global Supply. “It also will create hundreds of highly skilled jobs, fortifying Michigan’s high-tech manufacturing environment.”

“Sterile drug product manufacturing is incredibly complex.  This contemporary facility will combine cutting-edge technology and a highly talented workforce to assure we remain a trusted and reliable supplier of these therapies to patients,” noted Ron Perry, Site Leader for the Portage plant.

MAP will incorporate the most technically advanced aseptic manufacturing equipment, systems and design, including multiple, self-contained modular manufacturing lines. This allows the manufacturing line in each module to be entirely separate from all other manufacturing lines.

Construction is expected in 2019 and is set to complete by 2021. Production will commence in 2024, once approved by regulatory authorities.