Chiesi's €430M Investment Revitalizes Italian Manufacturing Hub for Inhalers and Biologics

Italian pharmaceutical giant Chiesi has announced a substantial €430 million ($464 million) investment to modernize and expand its manufacturing capabilities in Nerviano, Milan. This strategic move, part of the company's global expansion efforts, aims to establish an international center of excellence for the production of next-generation inhalers and biological products.

Revitalization of Historic Site

The investment, scheduled between 2025 and 2030, will breathe new life into a 124,000-square-meter industrial area with a rich pharmaceutical heritage. Originally established in 1965 as an oncology research center by Farmitalia Carlo Erba, the site changed hands multiple times before its closure in 2024. Chiesi's ambitious plan involves redeveloping this area into a cutting-edge manufacturing facility.

Giuseppe Accogli, CEO of Chiesi, emphasized the strategic importance of the location, stating, "We chose Nerviano for its strategic location and the potential of the industrial area, which we will transform into a center of excellence for the production of next-generation inhalers."

Focus on Sustainability and Innovation

The new facility will be at the forefront of sustainable manufacturing practices. Chiesi plans to produce its carbon minimal inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and sterile biological products at the site. The plant will feature over 3,000 square meters of laboratory space and incorporate a photovoltaic park to meet its energy needs, underscoring Chiesi's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Additionally, the company has pledged to regenerate 20,000 square meters of woodland surrounding the industrial facility, further demonstrating its dedication to sustainable development.

Economic Impact and Global Strategy

This investment is expected to create approximately 300 new jobs by 2029, providing a significant boost to the local economy. The Nerviano project is part of Chiesi's broader global industrial strategy, which includes ongoing investments in Parma, Italy, as well as in France and Brazil.

In 2024, Chiesi invested €10 million in its French manufacturing facility in Chaussee Saint-Victor, creating 100 new jobs. More recently, the company launched a Biotech Center of Excellence in Parma, focusing on the development and production of monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, and other proteins. This center, representing an investment of around €400 million, is designed to streamline the transition from drug development to manufacturing.

As Chiesi continues to expand its global footprint, the Nerviano investment reinforces its position as a leader in respiratory and biological treatments while contributing to Italy's pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.