The CDMO ESTEVE has announced that it has commenced a $15.5m investment to enhance production capabilities and associated space at its newly acquired North American facility in Morton Grove, Illinois.
The company said in a statement that work will see reactor upgrades to add powder transfer systems and distillation tanks and is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Jacket insulation and a single thermal fluid circuit will be added to enhance thermal management, broadening the reactors' operating temperature range to between -15°C and +140°C (5°F to 284°F) and simplifying validation under GMP conditions.
The site will also upgrade cleanroom and ancillary equipment by implementing a computer-based supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system.
This system will monitor, control and record manufacturing processes in real time.
Additionally, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems will be installed to ensure the efficient operation of essential quality control laboratories.
"This investment reflects an important step in building a strong and sustainable US platform for ESTEVE CDMO," said Andrea Oro, Managing Director US, ESTEVE.
It strengthens our ability to support customers earlier in development and accompany their programmes through GMP manufacturing, with the technical depth, reliability and collaborative mindset they expect from a long-term CDMO partner.
ESTEVE acquired its facility in Morton Grove in July 2025 to advance its commitment to supporting pharmaceutical and biotech innovators in accelerating complex molecules to market through integrated capabilities and collaborative execution, in North America and beyond.
Located in the Chicago metropolitan area, the site enhances the company's early-stage development capabilities as well as providing a physical presence in the US.
This expansion broadens its portfolio of services to include process research and development, analytical and stability testing, CGMP API manufacturing and support for chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC).