CSL announces expansion of Illinois plasma therapy manufacturing facility, will create 300 new jobs

CSL a global biopharma leader, broke ground for the expansion of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Kankakee, Illinois. The expansion, a cornerstone of the company's global manufacturing growth strategy and effort to expand its U.S. production presence, was officially announced with state and local officials, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Illinois State Senator Patrick Joyce, and other key dignitaries. The newly expanded facility will substantially increase the company's ability to produce life-sustaining, plasma-derived therapies for people living with rare and serious diseases and other acute medical issues while bringing hundreds of new, highly skilled positions to Kankakee, IL.

This investment demonstrates CSL's commitment to its next-generation manufacturing capabilities to more efficiently meet the needs of the patient community that it treats. The Kankakee expansion, expected to be operational by 2031, will incorporate CSL's Horizon 2 manufacturing process, a patented, yield enhancing technology that enables significantly greater production of immunoglobulin from the same base amount of plasma. This industry-leading technology is designed to improve plasma efficiency and positions CSL's U.S. network to support sustained growth of the company's lifesaving therapies.

"Behind every plasma-derived therapy is a person trying to live a more stable life, and donors who made that therapy possible," said Gordon Naylor, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, CSL. "As the need for plasma-derived therapies continues to grow in the U.S. and globally, expanding our Kankakee site further strengthens this key hub in our supply network. We thank our partners in government and our local community for supporting our mission to serve those who require these essential medicines."

"This site expansion marks an important step forward in increasing efficiency by incorporating new, innovative manufacturing processes and technology into how we produce the plasma-based medicines needed by so many people," said Mary Oates, CSL Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "These improvements will increase protein yield from each gram of plasma collected, strengthening Kankakee's role as a vital site in our global network."

"Illinois is leading the way in life sciences manufacturing, and CSL's $1.5 billion investment is a powerful vote of confidence in our state," said Governor JB Pritzker. "This expansion will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and strengthen domestic supply chains for critical therapies. CSL's continued growth in Kankakee County builds on decades of innovation and manufacturing leadership right here in Illinois. We're proud to partner with CSL as they expand their footprint and deepen their commitment to communities across our state."

"For people living with rare diseases like primary immunodeficiency (PI), consistent access to treatment is the foundation that lets them plan their days and their futures," said Jorey Berry, president and CEO, Immunodeficiency Deficiency Foundation. "Manufacturing plasma-derived therapies is a lengthy and complex process, and maintaining reliable supply is an ongoing challenge. Patients depend on meaningful investment from industry partners — and on policies that support, rather than hinder, that commitment. For the Immune Deficiency Foundation, this expansion in Kankakee is a powerful sign that patients' hopes are truly being prioritized."

"This is exciting news on several fronts. First and foremost, the life-saving therapies CSL pnroduces change lives," said Illinois State Senator Patrick Joyce. "For the region's economy, this is great news for the 300 good paying jobs and the investment in our local community through infrastructure improvements."

"I am thrilled CSL made the decision to expand in Illinois, right here in the 79th district," said Illinois State Representative Jackie Haas. "This $1.5 billion expansion will provide more access to patients across the globe, while also bringing more jobs and opportunities to our community. CSL has always been a wonderful partner to this community. I can't wait to see the positive impacts this expansion will have on our entire region!"