ESTEVE Invests Millions into Chicago Facility Expansion
The major USD 15.5 million upgrade at ESTEVE CDMO’s Morton Grove, Illinois plant, is expected to supercharge small-molecule API production for pharmaceutical and biotech clients across North America.
Barcelona-based experts in small-molecule APIs, high potent APIs, and advanced pharmaceutical intermediates, ESTEVE CDMO, has revealed its USD 15.5 million investment plans to enhance production capabilities and associated space at its newly acquired North American facility in Morton Grove, Illinois. Set for completion later this year (2026), the expansion will encompass a wide range of technical and infrastructure upgrades designed to increase capacity, improve process robustness, and support customers from early development all the way through to commercial supply (1).
The planned upgrades will include modernizing reactor systems with new powder transfer capabilities and distillation tanks, extending operating temperature ranges through improved jacket insulation and a unified thermal fluid circuit, and implementing cleanroom enhancements to support good manufacturing practice (GMP) manufacturing. The site will also see the deployment of a new supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system to monitor and control processes in real time, along with uninterruptible power supply systems to safeguard the continuous operation of critical quality control laboratories and ensure consistent, regulatory-compliant performance (1).
“This investment reflects an important step in building a strong and sustainable U.S. platform for ESTEVE CDMO,” said Andrea Oro, Managing Director US at ESTEVE CDMO, in a company press release about the investment (1). “[The investment] 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.”
The expanded Morton Grove site will broaden ESTEVE's offerings in process R&D, analytical testing, CGMP API manufacturing, and CMC support. With over 60 years of expertise, the company already operates six global sites in Spain, the U.S., Mexico, and China, emphasizing scalable supply chains amid rising demand for resilient manufacturing.
ESTEVE originally acquired the Morton Grove facility back in July 2025, establishing a physical U.S. presence. “We are proud to announce that we are increasing our team, and our CDMO solutions for pharmaceutical innovators: this acquisition is adding capabilities, as well as development and manufacturing capacity, while increasing the team of ESTEVE's CDMO business with around 70 skilled people,” confirmed Joan Petit, Chief Industrial Operations Officer of ESTEVE and General Manager of ESTEVE CDMO (Esteve Química), in a company press release about the acquisition (2).
This latest move aligns with broader industry trends, as CDMOs invest heavily to meet biotech funding surges and supply chain diversification needs. ESTEVE's focus on early-stage collaboration positions it to capture more North American business amid rising demand for local services to fasten timelines for clients and foster long-term partnerships in a competitive small-molecule landscape.
References
ESTEVE. ESTEVE CDMO Commences $15.5 Million Expansion of Chicago Small Molecule API Facility. Press Release, March 6, 2026.
ESTEVE. ESTEVE Acquires Regis Technologies, Expanding U.S. Presence and Capabilities. Press Release, July 31, 2025.