KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on Monday, December 5 that Pfizer Incorporated will be investing $750 million in it’s Portage, MI facility. Officials say the investment is set to help expand production and create 300 jobs.
They went onto say the investment aims to establish the facility as one of the most technologically advanced in the world that will continue to ensure the uninterrupted supply of Pfizer medicines and vaccines.
“Today, Pfizer is making another bold bet on Michigan’s manufacturing strengths and hardworking people,” said Governor Whitmer. “This $750 million investment will expand capacity at their Kalamazoo facility, creating good-paying jobs and fostering long-term economic opportunity for Michiganders. We brought this investment home thanks to effective collaboration between the state and Pfizer, and I know that Michigan’s future is bright because we have world-leading companies, economic momentum, and the hardest working people on the planet to move us forward.”
The investment builds on an initial one of $465 million in the Portage facility and a $120 million expansion announced earlier this year.
“Since 2017, Pfizer has invested $5 billion to support the ongoing growth of our manufacturing leadership in the U.S.” said Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer. “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.”
The Portage facility is one of Pfizer’s largest plants and is a global supplier of sterile injectable, liquid, and semi-solid medicines, as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients, producing more than 144 products. The multi-story, 400,000-square-foot Modular Aseptic Processing (MAP) production facility employs 3,000 and it’s operations generate an estimated annual economic impact in West Michigan of $3 billion.
The MAP facility advances sterile manufacturing technology by placing products into distinct modules. MAP phase 2 will incorporate technologically advanced aseptic manufacturing equipment, systems, and design, including multiple self-contained modular manufacturing lines. Proposed products in MAP 2 will utilize new mRNA technology and ultra-low temperature storage.
The plant has been in operation since 1948, and has had a presence in the community through the Upjohn Company since 1886.
