Pfizer to build $650M manufacturing center in Groton

Pfizer plans to build a new manufacturing technology center in Groton.

The pharmaceutical company announced the project on Thursday via a press release from AdvanceCT, the state economic development organization. The facility will cost $650 million and occupy 220,000 square feet on Pfizer's existing research and development campus.

The company will begin construction on the site in 2027. Pfizer expects to open the manufacturing facility in 2031. Once operational, the center will produce pharmaceutical ingredients and drug products. These outputs will support clinical trials.

The expansion adds to Pfizer's physical presence in Connecticut. The state has seen other major business moves recently. CVS Health announced plans to split its healthcare and drugstore operations into two separate companies. Under the released plans, Hartford-based Aetna will join the new CVS Health entity. That group will also include CVS Caremark, CVS Specialty, Oak Street Health, and Signify Health. The company's 9,000 drugstores will become a separate firm called CVS Pharmacy. Shareholders will retain shares in both companies. CVS expects to complete the separation by early 2028.

Eversource President Joe Nolan also spoke about the company's future this week. He downplayed the chance of a quick settlement with regulators over an 18% rate increase request. Nolan told investors on a call on Thursday that the company has a lot of work to do before it can talk settlement. The comments followed criticism from both political parties regarding the rate request. Without a settlement, a decision on the rate case is expected in June.

Local officials in Cromwell are considering a pause on new data center development. Mayor James Demetriades announced the potential six-month moratorium on Thursday. The move follows backlash to a proposed 550,000-square-foot facility. The developer, Global Commons, plans to power the project with gas fuel cells. City officials said they have not received a building permit application. The Planning and Zoning Commission rejected a one-year moratorium in September. Demetriades said the commission will consider a shorter pause at a future meeting. A public hearing is scheduled for December 3 at the middle school.

State officials also announced a change to Medicaid coverage rules. Federal approval allows eligible individuals to receive Medicaid coverage 60 days before release from incarceration. The new rules take effect in April 2027. Gov. Ned Lamont said the change will help people continue receiving medical care and substance use treatment as they return to the community.