CSL Invests $1.5 Billion in Illinois Plasma Therapy Manufacturing Expansion

Global biopharmaceutical leader CSL (ASX:CSL; USOTC:CSLLY) is significantly expanding its manufacturing presence in the United States with a $1.5 billion investment in its Kankakee, Illinois facility. The expansion, announced on March 9, 2026, will bolster the production of life-sustaining plasma-derived therapies and albumin, creating at least 300 new jobs and retaining over 1,200 existing positions in Kankakee County.

Expanding U.S. Production Capacity

The investment builds upon over $3 billion CSL has already invested in U.S. Operations since 2018. The Kankakee expansion is a key component of CSL’s global manufacturing growth strategy, aiming to secure and enhance the production of therapies for rare and serious diseases .

Horizon 2 Manufacturing Technology

The expanded facility, expected to be operational by 2031, will incorporate CSL’s Horizon 2 manufacturing process. This patented technology enhances production yields, allowing for significantly greater immunoglobulin output from the same amount of plasma . This represents a move towards end-to-end plasma processing within the U.S.

Government Support and Economic Impact

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker highlighted the investment as one of the largest single life sciences investments in Illinois history . The state is providing over $200 million in long-term funding through the EDGE program to support the project . In addition to the 300 new permanent jobs, approximately 800 construction and related jobs will be created during the expansion phase .

Plasma-Derived Therapies and Demand

Plasma-derived therapies are used to treat serious and rare diseases by utilizing proteins found in human blood plasma. These therapies are critical for individuals with immune deficiencies and other conditions requiring lifelong care . Demand for these specialized treatments is consistently increasing, and CSL’s expansion aims to meet this growing demand.

CSL’s Commitment to Immunoglobulin Production

The expansion will specifically increase production capacity for CSL’s immunoglobulin therapies, including Privigen and Hizentra . For the first time, CSL’s entire manufacturing process – from plasma collection through filling and packing – will be located within the United States, with Illinois supplying 100% of the company’s demand for immunoglobulin therapies .