The project aims to increase capacity across all product lines and, when finished, will allow Aptar to produce more than 10 billion injectable component units per annum
Aptar completes first stage of its injection system solutions expansion programme. (Credit: AptarGroup, Inc.)
Drug delivery systems maker Aptar Pharma has completed the first stage of its $180m injection system solutions expansion programme.
Started in 2020, the multi-site, global expansion project aims to increase capacity across all product lines.
Upon completion, it will also allow Aptar Pharma to produce more than 10 billion injectable component units yearly.
The investment will be used to increase the production of vial stoppers, elastomer components, PremiumFill improved specification solutions, and PremiumCoat ETFE film-coated components around the world.
The programme involves investments in France and the US, increasing the production footprint by more than 23,000m², Aptar said.
The initial phase of the PremiumCoat capacity expansion is already operational in Granville, France and features new ISO7 clean rooms and advanced robotics.
Early in 2024, a new factory using advanced technologies will be operating in Granville, France.
Aptar Pharma said that the US-based manufacturing capabilities will also be operational by 2024 to better serve the local market. The programme also includes additional phases of production expansion in the US and France.
According to the firm, the opening of a second facility in Granville, France, represents a new turning point in its transition and sets the way for an increase in capacity and high-tech effectiveness.
The advanced automated factory will boost manufacturing capacity and help fulfil the demand for elastomeric components, including PremiumCoat solutions for improved drug/container compatibility.
The French government’s Program of Investments for the Future awarded Aptar Pharma a portion of €13m for the construction and expansion of its European facilities.
Aptar Pharma president Gael Touya said: “Our planned expansion program proved timely and was expedited by the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The investments we’re making to expand manufacturing capacity and in new, digitalised processes will benefit our customers well into the future.”
Aptar Pharma is enhancing its capabilities through robotisation, digitisation, and additional clean rooms to meet the growing market and customer demands.