Pfizer to break ground on new Michigan production facility

Portage, Mich. — Pfizer is starting to build a new pharmaceutical production facility in west Michigan.

The drugmaker broke ground Wednesday on the multi-story, 420,000-square-foot building on Pfizer’s global manufacturing campus in Portage.

The project is expected to create 450 jobs in the area, New York-based Pfizer said in a statement. The $465 million facility is expected to be in operation in 2025, according to Pfizer.

The new facility will initially manufacture the pain medicine known as Dynastat, which is supplied to several international countries, Pfizer said.

Pfizer worked with German partner company BioNTech to create a COVID-19 vaccine that won U.S. regulatory approval last year.

Portage offered Pfizer a 50% property tax abatement to construct the new facility there.

In 2018, the Michigan Strategic Fund Board approved an $11.5 million package, including $10.5 million in tax incentives and a $1 million grant for the creation of the qualified new jobs. Average pay was expected to range from $70,100 to $93,300.

Portage is about 140 miles (225 kilometers) west of Detroit.

Bringing new jobs to Portage and the surrounding area positively impacts other industries such as restaurants, retail and housing, City Manager Joe La Margo said.

“It’s a positive for the entire community, for the entire region,” he added. “Pfizer is a great community partner. We’re happy they are continuing to invest in the city of Portage.”