Almac expands UK commercial capacity with the acquisition of new blistering technology
October 3, 2012
Almac, a leading provider of contract services to the global Pharmaceutical and Biotech industries, is pleased to announce that it has expanded its MHRA/FDA approved UK commercial packaging facility with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Noack N 623 blister packaging line from Romaco.
The acquisition comes in response to growing client demand for enhanced flexibility related to larger blister sizes and innovative multi unit blister formats, coupled to a requirement for non permeability and enhanced environmental protection, particularly product humidity control.
This highly flexible, cGMP compliant technology can be configured to process both thermoform and coldform materials, with maximum blister sizes of 220mm x 155mm. With its automatic feeding system, filling inspection and ejection station and shorter set-up times, the line provides increased productivity, processing over 25,000 blisters per hour, including multi-product blisters.
“Blister size and dosage formats are becoming increasingly more complex. Additionally, product handling for innovative new molecules often requires enhanced environmental controls. This investment allows Almac, through its Pharma Services business unit, to offer this additional flexibility,” says Geoff Sloan VP of Manufacturing Operations. “Through this acquisition, coupled with our imminent entry into the US commercial packaging market, we continue to expand our capabilities and flexibility to meet our client’s needs.”
“The blister technology from Romaco Noack offers high OEE values and low lifecycle costs. Product changeovers are carried out easily and cleaning is quickly done. Our machines prove themselves flexible in operation and versatile in use.”, says Bernd Webel, Sales Director, Romaco.
For more information on Almac’s commercial packaging capabilities, visit https://www.almacgroup.com/commercial-services
Almac will be exhibiting at CPHI Madrid, 9th – 11th October 2012 (booth number 10E41) and AAPS Chicago, 14th – 18th October 2012 (booth number 3027).
Notes to Editors
The Almac Group provides a broad range of services from R&D, biomarker discovery and development, API manufacture, formulation development, clinical trial supply and IXRS® technology (IVRS/IWRS), to commercial-scale manufacture. Almac provides services to more than 600 companies, including all the world leaders in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. The company employs over 3,300 individuals and is headquartered inCraigavon,Northern Ireland.US operations are based inPennsylvania,North Carolina andCalifornia.