Thermo Fisher continues growth in Wisconsin
Biohealth company announces new Good Manufacturing Practices lab in Middleton with state support
Global scientific services leader Thermo Fisher Inc., established in Wisconsin since 2014, has been established in Wisconsin since 2014, recently faced a decision regarding its planned expansion. The Wisconsin Biohealth Tech Hub’s recognition by the federal government factored into the decision to expand in Wisconsin for the company, which also operates labs in Virginia, Kentucky, Belgium, Singapore, and China, Thermo Fisher chose to further expand its practice in Wisconsin.
“As research in biopharmaceutical therapies continues to rapidly expand, we are excited to expand our overall capacity and capabilities in laboratory services to help our customers deliver therapies that meet the highest quality and safety standards for patients,” said Leon Wyszkowski, president of analytical services and clinical research at Thermo Fisher Scientific. “We will continue to support and empower our customers as they continue to discover, develop, and deliver new groundbreaking therapies. This $58 million investment to expand the site is a testament to our dedication in supporting Thermo Fisher’s mission of making the world healthier, cleaner, and safer.”
Collaborations benefit biohealth industry
In June 2024, Thermo Fisher announced that it would establish a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) lab in Middleton, with state and local support for the $58 million investment that is expected to generate hundreds of new jobs in the next two years. The State of Wisconsin, through WEDC, is supporting the initiative by approving up to $2.15 million in performance-based tax credits.
The new 72,500-square-foot facility will enhance the site’s capabilities in chemistry, manufacturing, and control (CMC) analytics, bolstering its clinical development and laboratory services aimed at advancing health outcomes by enabling the company’s customers to deliver transformative medicines. Thermo Fisher anticipates that the expansion will bring on board approximately 350 scientists and laboratory support professionals, boosting the existing workforce of nearly 2,300 employees on the company’s research campus in Wisconsin.
Expansion further cements the state’s tech hub status
By expanding operations in Wisconsin, Thermo Fisher leverages the state’s recognition as a regional technology hub designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. This accolade highlights Wisconsin’s leadership in biohealth and biotechnology, particularly in personalized medicine.
“Thermo Fisher plays a key role in our state’s biohealth and biotechnology industry by providing many of the clinical services companies need to bring safe and effective treatments to patients,” said WEDC Secretary and CEO Missy Hughes. “Their continued growth is a huge win for innovation in our state.”
The biohealth industry in Wisconsin carries a substantial economic impact, contributing nearly $32 billion annually. It encompasses more than 2,000 companies and 51,000 jobs. The state also exports $2.5 billion worth of medical and scientific instruments annually, with Wisconsin suppliers providing approximately $6 billion in products to the biohealth industry within the state each year.
