IMA Life North America has completed a $30 million expansion in Tonawanda, adding 120,000 square feet of manufacturing space as the company increases production of equipment used by the pharmaceutical industry. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the project’s completion Sept. 24, saying it will help create 70 jobs while retaining 195 existing positions in Western New York. This investment is part of the IMA Life Tonawanda expansion.
The 120,000-square-foot Western New York facility will expand production of pharmaceutical freeze-drying equipment and support 70 new jobs.
A larger pharmaceutical manufacturing footprint
The new Town of Tonawanda facility is designed to increase production of freeze-drying, or lyophilization, equipment used to process medicines. According to the state, IMA Life equipment is shipped around the world and its customers include major pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer and Moderna.
Freeze-drying is an important process in pharmaceutical manufacturing because it can help preserve medicines and other sensitive products. The company’s equipment is used in production involving a range of pharmaceutical products, including cancer treatments.
“The expansion of IMA Life’s Tonawanda facility advances New York’s leadership in medical manufacturing by providing essential equipment for life-saving treatments and creating high-quality regional jobs,” Hochul said in announcing the project.
70 new jobs planned
The expansion is expected to create 70 jobs and retain 195 existing jobs. The 70 positions are a hiring commitment tied to the expansion, not a statement that all 70 positions have already been filled.
The project adds another manufacturing investment to Western New York at a time when state leaders are trying to strengthen advanced manufacturing and life-sciences supply chains.
What the project includes
- A $30 million investment in Tonawanda.
- A new 120,000-square-foot manufacturing facility.
- Expanded production of pharmaceutical freeze-drying equipment.
- A commitment to create 70 jobs.
- Retention of 195 existing jobs in Western New York.
Why the expansion matters beyond Western New York
Although the facility is several hours from the Mohawk Valley, the project reflects a broader statewide push to attract and retain manufacturers that serve health care, biotechnology and advanced-industry supply chains. Those sectors can generate skilled jobs while supporting other businesses that provide transportation, engineering, construction and professional services.
For Upstate New York communities, the larger question is whether investments like this can build durable regional economies rather than produce short-term gains. Job creation commitments, worker recruitment and long-term production levels will be important measures to watch as the Tonawanda expansion moves from construction into full operation.
Sources
Reporting is based on the Sept. 24, 2026 announcement from the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development, cross-checked against current reporting on the completed project.
