Sharp invests $21M to expand US packaging capacity and capabilities

New equipment installations will include vial labellers, as well as an HPV cold sterilization system.

The latest expansion in the Allentown campus includes a co-investment with one of Sharp’s clients and represents the third phase of development of its Biotechnology Center of Excellence. New equipment installations will include vial labellers as well as a Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide (HPV) cold sterilization system.

Kevin Orfan, US President of Sharp Packaging said: “We are seeing increased demand for our packaging capabilities from clients across the biotech industry, with the injectables sector growing significantly in recent years.

“We are making these capacity expansions on behalf of our clients and through our parent UDG Healthcare. Sharp has invested continuously to keep pace with demand for our services. This expansion is intended to support that demand into the future.”

Building four in Sharp US’s Allentown Campus opened as the company’s Injectables Center of Excellence in April 2016. When the Allentown facility was built, it included an additional area of undeveloped space of approximately 21,500 sq ft.

Subsequent investment doubled Pre-filled Syringe (PFS), autoinjector and pen assembly and increased cold storage capacity at the site as part of the company’s drive to meet growing demand from the injectable device and biologics markets.

The company has invested significantly in its global facilities over recent years including $11 million on its new Clinical Services Centre of Excellence in Wales, an additional $11 million on enhancing its injectable and cold chain capabilities in the US, Belgium and the Netherlands and $23m on its recently refitted state-of-the-art facility in Bethlehem, PA.

Rick Seibert, Sr Vice President, Innovation and Technology Services at Sharp, will be delivering a Pharma Insight Briefing at CPHI North America, Chicago, Illinois, 30 April - 2 May 2019.