Governor Kotek Breaks Ground on New Facility for Advanced Manufacturing in Bend
Bend, OR – Today, Governor Tina Kotek joined Lonza, a global company that helps life science companies develop and manufacture medicines, to announce the start of construction on a new advanced manufacturing facility in Bend. The expansion will create more than 80 high-wage, permanent jobs along with approximately 650 construction jobs over the duration of the project. The project strengthens regional economic growth and bolsters Oregon’s established and growing life sciences and advanced manufacturing industries.
“Oregon is a leader in scientific innovation and advanced manufacturing, and this project is poised to build on that continued success,” Governor Kotek said. “The cutting-edge work happening at facilities like these is creating good-paying jobs, strengthening our economy, and transforming patient outcomes in Oregon and around the globe.”
The new facility expands Lonza’s longstanding operations in Bend, where the site has contributed nearly 50 years of scientific innovation and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The Bend site has supported the evaluation or development of more than 2,000 potential medicines, using advanced particle engineering and spray drying technologies that serve pharmaceutical and biotech customers from early research through commercial manufacturing.
Lonza’s expansion will further strengthen Central Oregon’s role in developing and manufacturing innovative medicines. The new facility is expected to be completed in 2029. The City of Bend is the first local government in Oregon to utilize expanded incentives enabled through House Bill 4084, introduced by Governor Kotek in the 2026 legislative session as part of her Prosperity Roadmap.
To secure this project, the Governor’s Office worked closely with Business Oregon throughout a year long effort making the case that Oregon is the right location for Lonza’s expansion. A $1.6 million investment from the Governor’s Strategic Reserve Fund will help offset initial capital investment and equipment costs. Terms of the award are in final contract negotiations.
This announcement follows Governor Kotek’s recent participation in the BIO International Convention (BIO) in San Diego, the world’s largest biotechnology gathering, where she spoke on two panels to showcase Oregon’s strengths and met with life sciences companies to identify new opportunities for investment. Oregon is a national leader in the life sciences sector, with major firms like Genentech, Thermo Fisher, and Lonza maintaining significant presence in the state. In 2023, the sector generated $21.2 billion in total economic impact, supported nearly 75,000 jobs and 2,500 businesses statewide, and contributed $5.6 billion in exports – reflecting the state’s growing global leadership in bioscience innovation.
This expansion marks tangible progress on the Governor’s Prosperity Roadmap, unveiled in December 2025 to achieve three broad goals: retain and grow Oregon businesses, catalyze job creation, and accelerate Oregon’s economic growth. Since launching the strategy, Governor Kotek has passed legislation to catalyze business growth, established the Prosperity Council to advise on long-term economic strategies, and launched a global trade desk to support businesses looking to grow in Oregon.
To learn more about Lonza’s announcement and what it means for the Bend community, click here. For photos of the groundbreaking, click here.
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