Pfizer is investing $750 million to expand its Kalamazoo County, Mich., manufacturing facility to increase the production of its injectable medicines and vaccines, including its investigational mRNA flu vaccine, which is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. According to Pfizer, it’s working to make its modular aseptic processing (MAP) facility “one of the most technologically advanced sterile injectable facilities in the world.”
One of Pfizer's largest manufacturing sites, the Kalamazoo County facility currently produces sterile injectable, liquid, and semi-solid medicines, in addition to active pharmaceutical ingredients used in almost 150 products. Following a $465 million investment at the site in 2017, the expansion is expected to create approximately 300 new openings for analysts, technicians, engineers, scientists, technologists, quality specialists, data analysts, and chemists.
Pfizer Chairman and CEO Albert Bourla says the growth of the Kalamazoo County site is part of an effort to increase the company’s U.S. capacity to manufacture vaccines and other pharmaceutical products. “This expansion is part of our blueprint to grow our U.S. manufacturing base, create more manufacturing jobs, and help ensure patients everywhere can get the medicines they need," Bourla explains.
“Thanks to the innovative setup, there is a flexibility for different products in the filling lines, packaging lines, and in the freezer facility,” says company spokesman Steve Danehy. “Several different vaccines or medicines could be produced, as needed, but there is a clear focus to enhance the site’s expertise in pre-filled syringes and mRNA manufacturing.”
Earlier this year, Pfizer announced it would be making a $120 million investment at the campus to increase its capacity for Paxlovid and ritonavir tablets.
