July 08, 2026

Evonik invests US$100 million to upgrade drug substance manufacturing site in Lafayette, Indiana

Meets the growing demand for U.S.-based contract manufacturing services
Further improves capabilities to handle increasing complexity of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
Important step in Evonik’s global asset balancing strategy by investing in Next Generation Technologies
Investment will secure jobs and contribute to local economy

Evonik, one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals companies, is making a significant investment to strengthen manufacturing capabilities at its Tippecanoe Labs site in Lafayette, Indiana. The site is home to one of the world’s largest facilities for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), the industry’s biggest high-potency API operation, and a major employer in the Greater Lafayette region.

Over the next five years, Evonik will invest US$100 million to modernize key equipment - including large reactors and other critical systems - enhancing reliability, enabling greater automation, and improving ergonomics and efficiency. This upgrade positions Evonik to meet the rapidly growing demand for U.S.-based drug substance contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services.

“Strengthening our U.S. drug substance business is a strategic necessity,” said Guido Skudlarek, head of the Health Care business line at Evonik. “With demand surging, Tippecanoe plays a pivotal role in creating a more resilient and globally balanced asset footprint.”

Evonik is balancing its global asset footprint across North America, Europe, and Asia, with a particular emphasis on North America for its drug substance CDMO business. Evonik’s Tippecanoe site is a bedrock of the company’s global CDMO network for small-molecule drug substances. Small molecules have been a cornerstone of medicine for decades and continue to grow in importance because they are versatile and often easy to administer. The modernization at the Tippecanoe site is an investment into Next Generation Technologies which help preserve technology leadership and enhance energy-efficient processes.

Evonik’s Tippecanoe Laboratories in Lafayette, Indiana, manufactures intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and excipients for the pharmaceutical industry.

Pictured is an aerial view of Evonik Corporation’s Tippecanoe Laboratories in Lafayette, Indiana, located approximately 60 miles northwest of Indianapolis, which manufactures intermediates, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and excipients for the pharmaceutical industry.

Geopolitical uncertainties have underscored the importance of strengthening regional production for critical drug substances and delivery technologies. Moreover, modern therapeutic goals require increasingly complex molecules that are more challenging to manufacture. Evonik already supports complex synthesis but with rising molecular complexity, investment is needed to maintain and expand these capabilities.

“API complexity continues to rise, and this investment empowers us to work with our customers on even more challenging molecules for critical indications, such as cancer and metabolic and cardiovascular diseases,” said Daniel Fricker, head of the Drug Substance product line at Evonik Health Care.

Tippecanoe Labs, which Evonik acquired from the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly in 2010, is Evonik’s second-largest site in North America with more than 650 employees. In addition, various contractors assist with maintenance, logistics, catering, and security. “The $100 million investment will help secure these jobs, contribute to the local economy, and strengthen the Greater Lafayette community,” said Todd Wetli, Tippecanoe Labs Site Manager.

The investment is supported by the Town of Shadeland, Indiana, and reflects a shared commitment to economic growth.

Further information:

Evonik’s Drug Substance CDMO business

Contacts

Robert Brown

Head of Communications North America

Spoken languages: english

Send email

Massita Camara

Communications Specialist

Spoken languages: english, french

Send email

Downloads

Download site photography

Evonik: Leading beyond chemistry

Evonik goes beyond the boundaries of chemistry with its combination of innovative strength and leading technological expertise. The global chemical company, headquartered in Essen, Germany, is active in more than 100 countries and generated sales of €14.1 billion and earnings (adjusted EBITDA) of €1.9 billion in 2025. The common motivation of the approximately 31,000 employees: to provide customers with a decisive competitive advantage with tailor-made products and solutions as a superforce for industry, thereby improving people's lives. In all markets. Every day.

About Custom Solutions

The Custom Solutions segment focuses on innovation-driven, tailor-made solutions for customers in specific growth markets. These solutions include additives for coatings, adhesives and sealants, polyurethane foams and lubricants, catalysts, and ingredients for the cosmetics, cleaning and pharmaceutical industries. In 2025, the segment generated sales of €5.4 billion with around 9,500 employees.

Disclaimer

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this release or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. Neither Evonik Industries AG nor its group companies assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release.