- ESTEVE CDMO has launched a $15.5 million expansion at its Morton Grove, Illinois facility to enhance production capacity and operational capabilities.
- The investment will upgrade reactors, process equipment, and digital monitoring systems to support process R&D, analytical testing, and cGMP API manufacturing.
ESTEVE CDMO has begun a $15.5 million expansion at its recently acquired facility in Morton Grove, Illinois, aimed at enhancing production capabilities for small-molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and pharmaceutical intermediates. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026 and will expand both manufacturing capacity and operational infrastructure at the site.
The investment includes reactor upgrades, the addition of powder transfer systems and distillation tanks, and improvements to thermal management systems. Jacket insulation and a single thermal fluid circuit will expand the reactors’ operational temperature range from -15°C to +140°C (5 to 284°F), while simplifying validation under GMP conditions.
Further upgrades will include cleanroom improvements and installation of new ancillary equipment. The facility will implement a computer-based supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and record manufacturing processes in real time. In addition, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems will be installed to support the operation of quality control laboratories.
ESTEVE acquired the Morton Grove site in July 2025 to support pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies developing complex molecules. The facility expands the company’s early-stage development capabilities, offering services such as process research and development, analytical and stability testing, cGMP API manufacturing, and chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC) support as part of its contract manufacturing operations.
“This investment reflects an important step in building a strong and sustainable U.S. platform for ESTEVE CDMO. It strengthens our ability to support customers earlier in development and accompany their programs through GMP manufacturing, with the technical depth, reliability, and collaborative mindset they expect from a long-term CDMO partner.”
Andrea Oro, Managing Director US
