Cambrex, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), has marked the start of a USD 120 million expansion at its Charles City, Iowa facility.

The company announced the groundbreaking on October 30, 2026, from its East Rutherford, New Jersey base, following a ceremony held the previous day.

Project Scope and Timeline

The expansion will add 160,000 liters of manufacturing capacity at the Charles City site. According to the company, that addition will increase the facility's total capacity by approximately 25 percent, bringing it to nearly one million liters.

The added capacity is intended to support the development and commercial manufacturing of small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and synthetic peptides. Cambrex said the project is anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2028.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Cambrex celebrated the start of construction with a groundbreaking ceremony on October 29. The event brought together company leaders, employees, state and local officials, and members of the Charles City community.

The milestone coincides with the Charles City site celebrating its 100th anniversary, marking a century of operations at the facility.

Executive Perspective

Claudio Russolo, Chief Operating Officer and incoming Chief Executive Officer of Cambrex, said the groundbreaking represents an important milestone in the company's continued investment in U.S. manufacturing and in the Charles City site.

"As the site celebrates its 100th anniversary, this expansion reflects both its long history and its continued importance to our future," Russolo said.

He added that by expanding commercial-scale capacity for both small molecule and peptide manufacturing, the company is strengthening its ability to support customers as their programs advance from development through commercialization.

What the Charles City Facility Does

The Charles City facility provides development and manufacturing services for small molecule APIs, synthetic peptides, and pharmaceutical intermediates. Its work supports projects ranging from clinical development through commercial-scale production.

Cambrex said the expansion builds on the site's existing infrastructure and technical expertise while providing additional capacity to meet customer demand.

About Cambrex

Cambrex describes itself as a leading global CDMO that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, along with comprehensive analytical services.

The company reports more than 45 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts serving global clients from North America and Europe.

Its offerings include a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, among them continuous flow, controlled substances, peptide synthesis, solid-state science, biocatalysis, material characterization, complex synthetics, and highly potent APIs.

Media inquiries about the announcement can be directed to Jennifer Therrien, VP, Marketing & Sales Operations, at Cambrex.

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