Gerresheimer, a global partner to the pharma, biotech, and cosmetic industries, has commenced operations at a new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, China, for the production of glass primary pharmaceutical packaging. The facility, located in the Zhenjiang Economic Development Zone in Jiangsu Province, spans approximately 40,000 m² (60 mu) and was completed after four years of construction. It meets stringent regulatory requirements for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries and sets new standards in sustainability, with an additional 33,000 m² (50 mu) of land available for future expansion.
The new plant doubles Gerresheimer's production capacity for primary packaging for injectable pharmaceuticals in China. Currently, the site produces pharmaceutical vials and ampoules primarily for the Chinese market, with a workforce of about 250 employees. Approximately 50 new jobs are expected to be created in the coming years, bringing total skilled worker positions to around 300. This marks Gerresheimer's fourth Tubular Glass plant in China, continuing a successful 20-year partnership with Shuangfeng Glass.
Mehran Nilchian, Global Senior Vice President of Tubular Glass at Gerresheimer, said, 'With our new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, we are responding to the dynamic market growth in China, particularly in the field of injectable biologics. We are pleased that we can provide our pharma and biotech customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region with the best possible support through our expanded production capacity, excellent quality, and comprehensive service.'
The plant is equipped with state-of-the-art glass forming lines and intelligent production and logistics systems with a high degree of automation. Borosilicate glass vials and ampoules are produced in various sizes and designs in accordance with China's Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for pharmaceutical packaging. Controlled areas include over 2,700 m² of ISO Class 8 cleanroom space, an ISO Class 7 microbiological laboratory, and over 700 m² of ISO Class 8 space for silicone coating. The plant also has an ISO-certified quality and environmental management system.
Sustainability is a key focus of the new facility, designed and built in accordance with China's 'Green Factory' guidelines and LEED Gold certification requirements. A 2-MWp rooftop photovoltaic system generates sustainable electricity for on-site consumption. Water, including rainwater and condensation from air conditioning systems, is systematically collected and recycled. Exhaust heat from production is used to heat other areas, contributing to the Gerresheimer Group's sustainability goals.
The start of operations also commemorates the 20th anniversary of the joint venture between Gerresheimer and Shuangfeng Glass. The joint venture, Gerresheimer Shuangfeng Pharmaceutical Glass Co., Ltd., now operates four Tubular Glass plants in China: two in Danyang, one in Zhenjiang, and the new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang. With this expansion, Gerresheimer positions itself as a leading supplier of primary packaging for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries in China.
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