nextSTL has learned that Fortune 500 company Pfizer is scouting several sites for a new homebase in the St. Louis region.. The biopharmaceutical giant currently occupies space at the Monsanto Chesterfield Village Research Center, where it conducts research on large molecule medicines and vaccines. Pfizer also has a group of area employees in Weldon Spring.

There are approximately 1,000 Pfizer employees in Missouri. 500 are based in St. Louis. Industry insiders say the company need for new space is a necessity. Monsanto is in the middle of a major expansion at its 210-acre Chesterfield campus, and Pfizer’s lease is nearing expiration.

Sources say Pfizer is planning to build a 250,000 sq ft to 300,000 sq ft production facility with office space. A St. Louis County location near Monsanto world headquarters in Creve Coeur, and another in Chesterfield have been identified by sources among the field of potential sites. Additionally, the Missouri Research Park in St. Charles County has been mentioned.

The 180-acre Missouri Research Park is affiliated with the University of Missouri System. It was developed for high-tech and research facilities. 15 tenant companies and two federal agencies employ approximately 2,000 people within the park.

nextSTL will keep you updated with new information regarding this development as we receive it. An attempt to reach Pfizer representative Mia De Jesus for comment was unsuccessful.