Gerresheimer to build new RTF syringe production facility

Jane Ellis, packagingnews.co.uk, 15 July 2008

Gerresheimer, the glass and plastic packaging manufacturer, is to build a new production facility for RTF syringe systems to meet increased demand.

The German firm increased sales in the second quarter by 13% to €276m (£220m), led by the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics markets and acquisitions.

Adjusted EBITDA rose by 20% to €54m, supported by "good performance" in all divisions, the firm said.

The tubular glass division increased sales by 10% to €78m, led by a high level of demand from the US, expansion in the Chinese market and the acquisition of the pharmaceutical glass business of Comar in March 2007.

Production capacity is already fully utilised in this division and the new RTF facility will be operational by early 2009.

Sales of inhalers and diabetes care products grew "substantially" to take sales in the plastic systems division to €94m, an increase of 18%.

The moulded glass division reported sales of €86m, up 6%, led by higher sales of pharmaceutical vials in the US and Europe and of cosmetic products.

Sales grew in the life science research division by 52% to €23m, led by its Chinese operations and cost savings through production relocations.

D¨¹sseldorf-based Gerresheimer acquired EDP, the Spanish producer of PET pharmaceutical packaging in January.

Gerresheimer produces glass and plastic medicine bottles, drug delivery systems, sterile syringes, inhalers and vials.

The company employs around 10,000 people at 40 locations across Europe, US and Asia, and in 2007 had worldwide sales of €958m.