Sharp invests in global cold storage and syringe assembly capacity in US

Contract packaging and clinical supply services company, Sharp, has invested $11 million to increase its global cold storage and syringe assembly capacity in response to market demand.

This additional investment in Groninger labelling machines has doubled Sharp’s syringe assembly capacity at its Allentown, US facility, which will provide additional manufacturing speed capacity and in-line safety device assembly when installed.

Furthermore, there will be an increase in the cold storage capacity of 61% at the site with a $1.5 million investment into DEA-approved cage cold storage. This will form part of the company’s strategy to meet demand in the injectable device and biologics markets.

Roel Kerkhof, general manager of Sharp Packaging in Europe stated: “This investment has allowed us to offer our clients redundancy and additional capacity in handling the shorter product runs that are typical of both the burgeoning orphan drug market, as well as the European market as a whole.”

“These investments are being driven by a significant rise indemand for our cold chain capabilities from clients across the biotech sector, with particular interest coming from the injectables sector,” commented Mike Owens, vice president of supply chain at Sharp US. “Notably, our Global Design Center based in Allentown has seen a spike in demand for biologic kits for injectables due, in part, to the rising number of ‘virtual’ companies in the market. We have also seen a growing need for the design and prototyping of multi-component kits.

“The investment that we are making in temperature-controlled storage capacity is ultimately made on behalf of our clients and will allow us to offer greater scope for future growth.”