Lonza invests in Bend with new spray-drying pharmaceutical facility

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Lonza broke ground Monday on a commercial spray-drying pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Bend. The development is expected to create more than 80 new jobs in Central Oregon.

State and local officials attended the groundbreaking ceremony Monday, including Gov. Tina Kotek, Swiss Consul-General Jonas Brunschwig and Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler. The project expands Lonza's longstanding presence in Bend, where the company has conducted research and production for nearly 50 years.

Kathy Schwiebert serves as the site head for Lonza Bend. Schwiebert highlighted the expansion during the ceremony. “Today's groundbreaking marks an important milestone for both Lonza and the Bend community,” Schwiebert said. “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.”

For nearly 50 years, the Bend site has assisted pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients in developing products through advanced particle engineering and spray-drying technologies. Staff at the location have evaluated or developed more than 2,000 drug candidates, assisting with programs spanning from early-stage research to commercial-scale manufacturing.

Spray drying involves turning liquid formulations into fine powders with engineered properties. The process improves how effectively drugs are absorbed in the human body, providing essential manufacturing support as modern drug candidates grow more complex.

Construction of the new facility is scheduled for completion in 2029.