Cambrex Breaks Ground on $120 Million Expansion in Charles City, Iowa

Cambrex, a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), broke ground on October 29, 2026, on a $120 million expansion of its facility in Charles City, Iowa. The milestone coincides with the site’s 100th anniversary.

160,000 liters of new capacity

The expansion will add 160,000 liters of manufacturing capacity, increasing the site’s total capacity by approximately 25% to nearly one million liters. It will support the development and commercial manufacturing of small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and synthetic peptides.

Completion in late 2028

The project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2028. According to Radio Iowa, about 400 employees will work at the complex once the expansion is finished.

Claudio Russolo, Chief Operating Officer and incoming CEO of Cambrex said:

“This groundbreaking marks an important milestone in our continued investment in U.S. manufacturing and in the Charles City site. By expanding commercial-scale capacity for both small molecule and peptide manufacturing, we are strengthening our ability to support customers as their programs advance from development through commercialization.”