Germany-based pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation Vetter has begun construction of a new large-scale production site in Saarlouis, reinforcing advanced sterile manufacturing capacity within Europe’s life sciences manufacturing sector relevant to high-spec industrial production ecosystems.

Business Wire reported that the company marked the start of construction with a ceremonial groundbreaking for a 50,000 sqm facility dedicated to commercial production of injectable drugs.

The first phase of development will include production infrastructure, laboratories and warehousing, with three cleanrooms planned for aseptic filling of pre-sterilised syringes and vials.

Vetter plans to invest almost €500m in the site through to its planned commissioning in 2031, positioning the facility as a long-term expansion of its global manufacturing footprint.

The project is expected to create between 400 and 500 jobs initially, with potential expansion to around 2,000 jobs once fully developed.

Senator h.c. Udo J. Vetter, chairman of the advisory board, said: “Today's groundbreaking ceremony marks a decisive step for the future of our family business.”

He added: “With our new location in Saarlouis, we are setting the course for further sustainable growth.”

Anke Rehlinger, minister president of Saarland, said: “Today is a good day for Saarland.”

She added that the investment demonstrates how structural change succeeds when we actively shape it.

Jürgen Barke, minister of economic affairs, innovation, digitalisation and energy of Saarland, said the investment positions the region as a key location for pharmaceutical manufacturing and industrial transformation.

The facility is designed to support increasing global demand for complex injectable drug products and strengthen Vetter’s capacity across its international operations in Germany, Austria and the United States.

The expansion reflects broader growth in pharmaceutical manufacturing infrastructure across Europe, particularly in high-value sterile production systems requiring advanced compliance and precision engineering.

Follow the full story on Vetter’s €500m pharmaceutical manufacturing expansion in Germany.