CAMBRIDGE, New Jersey, March 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cambrex, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced the completion of initial technical studies for its new large-scale active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing facility in Charles City, Iowa. This milestone marks a significant step towards the $120 million investment previously announced by the company to expand its API manufacturing capabilities in the United States. The groundbreaking for the new facility is scheduled for the end of 2026.
Charles City’s expansion will add a new plant with a capacity of 140,000 liters, including large and medium-scale reactors, state-of-the-art Hastelloy agitated dryers, and enhancements to existing manufacturing facilities. Once this expansion phase is completed, the site will see a 20% increase in large-scale production capacity. This expansion is designed to support complex chemistry, including controlled substances, highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs), and liquid-phase peptide synthesis on a commercial scale, positioning Cambrex as a trusted partner for pharmaceutical innovators.
In Europe, Cambrex continues to invest with a $30 million expansion underway at its Milan, Italy site. The project will add new analytical development and research-development capacities and modernize several production facilities. The R&D expansion in Milan is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027, with additional land acquisition to support future growth and meet the increased demand for CDMO services.
Claudio Russolo, Chief Operating Officer, commented: “Our Milan site in Italy has a long tradition of supporting the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, and this year marks its 80th anniversary. We are committed to continuing our investments to meet the growing market demand for complex chemical products, including peptides, highly potent molecules, and controlled substances.”
Cambrex’s ongoing investments reflect its commitment to providing modernized solutions for the development and manufacturing of complex small molecules. The company’s scientific approach and commitment to operational excellence ensure that Cambrex remains at the forefront of supporting the next generation of life-changing treatments.
