Aptar Pharma, a global provider of drug delivery systems, services, and active material science solutions, has delivered the first phase of its previously announced expansion program of approximately US$180 million to meet growing customer capacity needs for injection system solutions.
The multisite, international expansion project began in 2020 and is intended to significantly boost capacity across all product lines, ultimately enabling Aptar Pharma to produce over 10 billion injectable component units annually when completed.
“Our planned expansion program proved timely and was expedited by the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Gael Touya, president, Aptar Pharma. “The investments we’re making to expand manufacturing capacity and in new, digitized processes will benefit our customers well into the future.”
According to recent market research, injectables represents around 50% of the pharmaceutical drug development pipeline, with an estimated 40% market share.
Between 2016 and 2021, injectables showed the largest drug sales growth of over 10% compound annual growth rate (CAGR 16-21), driven mainly by biologics and the demand for high-value solutions, such as coated components like Aptar Pharma’s PremiumCoat.
Bold new capabilities
Aptar Pharma’s investment encompasses the expansion and ramping up of Aptar Pharma manufacturing of PremiumCoat ETFE film-coated components, PremiumFill enhanced specification solutions, elastomer components, and vial stoppers worldwide.
The expansion program includes investments in France and the US, adding an additional 23,000+ m² of manufacturing footprint. The first phase of the PremiumCoat capacity expansion is already operational in Granville, France, and includes new ISO7 clean rooms and advanced robotics.
An additional factory in Granville, France will be operational as of early 2024, which leverages the latest technology. US-based manufacturing capabilities will also be operational as of 2024 to better serve the local market. Further manufacturing expansion phases in the US and France are also included in the program.
A new facility in Granville, France
The establishment of a second manufacturing facility in Granville, France marks a new milestone in the transformation of Aptar Pharma. It paves the way for a step change in capacity and high-tech efficiency.
This automated factory will significantly increase production capacity to meet the growing demand for elastomeric components, including PremiumCoat solutions for enhanced drug/container compatibility. Partial funding of 13 million Euros for building and expanding Aptar Pharma’s European facilities was awarded as part of the French government’s Program of Investments for the Future.
Customer need
To meet the ever-increasing market and customer requirements for even higher quality and reliability, Aptar Pharma is expanding its capabilities with robotization, digitization, and new clean rooms. Sustainability is a major consideration in Aptar Pharma’s expansion program, with the implementation of solar power production, water waste management and optimized energy consumption included.
Closer partnerships
Aptar Pharma’s expansion was designed with customers in mind. By increasing the capacity and capabilities available through its regional manufacturing centers, Aptar Pharma is positioned to bring new levels of agility and responsiveness in order to meet the most demanding injectable customer needs around the world.
“With this program, we’re transforming our organization to offer pharma companies of all sizes enhanced ways to fast-track and derisk their product development,” said Gabriel Zenker, president, Aptar Pharma Injectables. “In doing so, we’re fulfilling our commitment to making Aptar Pharma a first-choice, long-term partner for those seeking sustainable success for their drug development pipelines as part of our mission to shape the future of injectables together with our customers.”
