German pharmaceutical service provider Vetter plans to develop a new production and distribution facility in Des Plaines, IL. Vetter’s $320 million state-of-the art manufacturing facility on an 18-acre site in Des Plaines will be the first of its kind outside of Germany, and will create at least 300 new jobs.
Vetter currently operates a U.S. production facility and sales office in Skokie, IL. The company wants to expand in Illinois in order to benefit from the state’s life science and biopharmaceutical industry cluster.
“We believe that this project represents a win-win scenario for the residents of Des Plaines and Vetter alike,” said Vetter Managing Director Peter Soelkner. “For us, it would be the next step in our plan for continuous growth. Several of our customers have requested commercial manufacturing resources both in U.S. and Europe for their multi-faceted market production needs. Being in a continuous dialogue with them, such a facility would enlarge Vetter’s geographical manufacturing opportunities, and thus, increase our customer’s flexibility. We are excited about the positive outcomes this project can bring to the city of Des Plaines, and becoming a good and trustworthy neighbor to its residents.”
Illinois Business and Economic Development Corporation (ILBEDC) CEO Jim Schultz and Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Assistant Director Andria Winters met with Vetter executives during an April trip to Germany, which occurred following the state’s presence at Hanover Messe, the world’s largest industrial fair.
“Vetter will create hundreds of quality, high skill jobs for Illinois residents, growing their presence in Illinois with lots of opportunity for future growth,” said Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. “The collaboration between the State, the ILBEDC and our local partners was instrumental in attracting an investment of this scope and magnitude, which will reap economic benefits for Illinois for years to come.”
“We know that Foreign Direct Investment is a major opportunity for Illinois. Our central location, with unparalleled access to North American markets, and our skilled workforce are major strengths to companies like Vetter,” said ILBEDC CEO Jim Schultz. “By working in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and local governments and marketing Illinois’ assets in person to Vetter executives, we were able to drive a deal that’s good for Illinois and good for Vetter.”
“This is a major win for Illinois. These types of victories don’t come together overnight. announcement was made possible by the Department of Commerce and the ILBEDC working together for months and putting on a full court press,” said Department of Commerce Acting Director Sean McCarthy. “It was invaluable for Jim Schultz and Andria Winters to be able to meet directly with Vetter in Germany. It’s that kind of outreach and customer service that will set Illinois apart and help close deals.”
“Our regional partners have been critical,” added McCarthy. “Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen laid the groundwork through his relationship with Vetter, and support from local utilities companies, the city of Des Plaines and Cook County came together to create this success shared by the entire state. This was a team effort that epitomizes the model for economic development and what Illinois can achieve moving forward.”
The project is the product of collaboration between the Illinois Department of Commerce, ILBEDC, Cook County and the city of Des Plaines.
Relocating or Expanding Your Business In Illinois
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