Glaukos Breaks Ground on Alabama R&D, Manufacturing Facility

Glaukos has broken ground on its new research, development, and manufacturing facility in Huntsville, Alabama.

The company will develop a 200,000-square-foot R&D and manufacturing facility to be built on 25 acres in Cummings Research Park, with an option for a further 15 acres for future expansion. The multi-year project has a planned capital expenditure of over $80 million and is anticipated to bring more than 150 full-time jobs to the region.

“We are proud to expand our U.S. footprint with the development of this new state-of-the-art facility to augment our current infrastructure and support our long-term growth plans, underscoring our commitment to American manufacturing and the critical role it plays in advancing healthcare innovation,” said Thomas Burns, Glaukos chairman and CEO. “After evaluating over 100 potential sites worldwide, we ultimately chose Huntsville for its strong talent base and vibrant business climate. We appreciate our new partnership with the City of Huntsville and look forward to the ophthalmic innovations that will emerge from this strategic expansion as we continue advancing our mission to transform vision therapies for patients living with chronic eye diseases.”

U.S. Representatives Dale Strong and Robert Aderholt, local officials including Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, community leaders, and company executives celebrated the project as both an economic driver for the region and a testament to the resurgence of U.S. manufacturing leadership.

“I’m proud to welcome Glaukos to Huntsville, Alabama,” said Strong. “They are not only advancing cutting-edge therapies; they are becoming a true partner—investing in our people and strengthening our region. What starts here in Huntsville will ultimately help patients around the world experience a brighter future.”

The new site represents a major milestone in the company’s commitment to strengthening U.S. manufacturing, creating high-quality jobs, and driving the next generation of innovation in American healthcare. Glaukos’ new facility is expected to be completed in 2030.

“For decades, Huntsville has worked to build an environment where science, technology and advanced manufacturing thrive together in a community that knows how to support discovery,” said Battle. “Glaukos’ decision to grow here builds on that foundation, showing how our community’s strengths attract companies that are shaping the future of human health around the world.”

In June, the company won an EU nod for iStent infinite, as well as other micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) tech including iStent infinite and iStent inject W.