At a Glance
- Company: Vetter Pharma (German CDMO)
- Location: Saarlouis, Saarland, Germany (former Ford site)
- Investment: Nearly €500 million by 2031
- Focus area: Aseptic fill-and-finish for injectable drugs
- Next steps: Commissioning in 2031; 400–500 jobs initially
What happened?
Vetter Pharma celebrated the ceremonial groundbreaking for construction of its new production site in Saarlouis on 13 May 2026, marking the start of the first construction phase. The company will build a 50,000 sqm facility for commercial aseptic production of injectable drugs on the 95-acre industrial site.
Why does it matter?
The Saarlouis facility expands Vetter’s global capacity for fill-and-finish services, addressing surging demand for complex injectable drugs and biologic medicines. With up to €47 million in EU state aid approved, the project strengthens Saarland’s pharmaceutical industry and creates secure, sustainable jobs.
Who’s behind it?
Vetter Pharma International GmbH, a family-owned CDMO headquartered in Ravensburg, Germany, leads the project. Regional and state government representatives, economic development agency gwSaar, and project partners attended the ceremony.
How was it achieved?
The first phase includes three state-of-the-art cleanrooms: two for filling pre-sterilized syringes and one for vials. The site was purchased in late 2024, with EU approval for state aid received in December 2025. Total investment of almost €500 million will be phased through 2031.
What’s next?
Vetter will initially hire 400–500 employees, rising to 1,500 by the final stage of the first expansion phase, with up to 2,000 jobs possible in the long term. The facility will begin commercial production in 2031, supporting customers from clinical development through commercialisation.
What are people saying?
“This milestone represents a new momentum for Saarland and confirms our commitment to this region,” said Udo J. Vetter, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Saarland Minister President Anke Rehlinger called it a “mega project for Vetter and the Saarland.”