- The new facility will expand Lonza’s US manufacturing footprint and establish its Bend site as a global hub for spray-drying, an advanced manufacturing technology that helps medicines be absorbed more effectively in the body
- The new facility will expand Lonza’s spray-drying center of excellence in Bend with commercial-scale manufacturing capacity, supporting customers from development through to commercial supply
- At the groundbreaking event on September 14th, Lonza was joined by state and local representatives to commemorate the milestone
Bend, Oregon, 14 September 2026 – Lonza today celebrated the groundbreaking of a new commercial spray-drying pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Bend that is expected to create more than 80 new jobs and further strengthen Central Oregon's role in the development and manufacturing of innovative medicines. The facility is expected to be completed in 2029.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on September 14, 2026 to mark the beginning of the facility’s construction. Lonza leaders were joined by Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Swiss Consul-General Jonas Brunschwig and Melanie Kebler, the Mayor of Bend, in addition to local and state representatives to celebrate this milestone.
Kathy Schwiebert, Site Head, Lonza Bend, commented: “Today's groundbreaking marks an important milestone for both Lonza and the Bend community. This investment expands our manufacturing capabilities, creates new jobs, and strengthens our ability to support customers developing the next generation of medicines. Bend has built a strong reputation for scientific and operational excellence. We are proud to continue investing in Central Oregon, creating new opportunities for highly skilled careers, and contributing to the long-term growth of our community.”
The new facility will expand Lonza's operations in Bend, where the site has a long history of scientific innovation and pharmaceutical manufacturing. For nearly 50 years, the Bend site has helped pharmaceutical and biotech customers develop and manufacture medicines using advanced particle engineering and spray-drying technologies. The site has contributed to the evaluation or development of more than 2,000 potential medicines and supports a wide range of pharmaceutical programs, from early research through to commercial manufacturing.
Spray drying is an advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing technology that helps medicines be absorbed more effectively in the body. The process transforms liquid formulations into fine powders with carefully engineered properties, helping improve how medicines are absorbed by patients. As modern drug candidates become increasingly complex, these technologies are playing a growing role in bringing new treatments to market.
Additional Information
Images from the event are available to download here: Image 1 and Image 2
Groundbreaking Ceremony caption:
Right to left: Patrick Smith, Lonza, Philipp Kuenti, Lonza, Tim Knopp, Chief Prosperity Officer, State of Oregon, Christian Seufert, Lonza, Governor Tina Kotek, Kathy Schwiebert, Lonza, Melanie Kebler, Mayor, City of Bend, Christian Hutter, Lonza, Jonas Brunschwig, Consul-General at the Swiss Consulate-General in San Francisco, Steph Geisler, Lonza