9/14/2026: Lonza Groundbreaking Remarks

Lonza Groundbreaking Remarks

September 14, 2026

Good morning! It's always great to be in Central Oregon.

Thank you to everyone who made today possible - the leadership and talented employees at Lonza, the City of Bend, the team at Business Oregon and my office, and the broader life sciences sector in Oregon that knows how important this expansion is.

I met with Lonza several times to discuss this opportunity and how we could bring it over the finish line, including a conversation at the BIO International Convention in San Diego this past June. And here we are now. Moments like this make me optimistic about Oregon's future.

Life science innovation is at a point of major opportunity. Across the country, we have seen breakthrough advancements - and what is ahead will be equally significant. Oregon is ready to lead, and partners like Lonza are making that possible.

As your Governor, I am committed to supporting investments like the one we are celebrating today because I want all of Oregon to thrive, and that means retaining and bringing high paying jobs to our communities. To do that, the state must be a good partner and show that we're ready. That's why I am announcing that the State of Oregon is awarding $1.6 million to support Lonza's expansion here in Bend. This investment is about partnership, as Lonza brings more than 80 new permanent jobs with an average annual salary of $120,000.

These are high paying, career building jobs that allow people to put down roots, buy a home, and raise a family. And this is only phase one. The opportunity ahead is great. Lonza is also investing in K-12 STEM learning - making sure that the next generation can access career pathways into the life sciences and support the future of this community.

Oregon is a leader in scientific innovation and advanced manufacturing. We have the skilled workforce, strong research institutions, and a growing ecosystem of companies doing important work in life sciences and biotech.

The work happening in facilities like this - at the cutting edge of biopharmaceutical manufacturing - connects directly to patient outcomes. The technology that will be developed here helps medicines be absorbed more effectively in a patient's body. Lives are being saved and healthcare interventions transformed - for patients here and around the world.

As your Governor, I'm focused on doing whatever it takes to grow Oregon's economy, create more living wage jobs, and position our state as a competitive destination for advanced industries. We are streamlining permitting, modernizing economic development tools, strengthening workforce pathways, and making sure Oregon is at the top of the list for investments like this.