Cambrex Invests $120 Million to Expand Charles City Pharmaceutical Facility in Iowa, US Adding 160,000 Liters of Capacity

Cambrex, a global contract development and manufacturing organization, has begun a USD 120 million expansion of its Charles City, Iowa facility.

The company announced the start of the project on October 30, 2026, from its base in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a day after holding a groundbreaking ceremony at the site.

A Century-Old Site Adds Capacity

The expansion comes as the Charles City site celebrates its 100th anniversary, marking a century of operations at the facility. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 29 and brought together company leaders, employees, state and local officials, and members of the Charles City community.

Cambrex said the project will add 160,000 liters of manufacturing capacity. According to the company, that addition will raise the facility's total capacity by approximately 25 percent to nearly one million liters.

What the New Capacity Will Serve

The added capacity is intended to support the development and commercial manufacturing of small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients, known as APIs, and synthetic peptides.

The Charles City facility already provides development and manufacturing services for small molecule APIs, synthetic peptides, and pharmaceutical intermediates, and its work spans projects 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.

Completion Timeline

The company said it anticipates the project will be completed in the fourth quarter of 2028.

Leadership Comment

Claudio Russolo, Chief Operating Officer and incoming Chief Executive Officer of Cambrex, described the groundbreaking as 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.

Company Background

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.