The journey started in 2011
Nipro PharmaPackaging celebrated its 10th anniversary in the US this summer. What began a decade ago as an acquisition, is today a success story with 4 plants in the US. In fact, one plant (Westport) produced over 1 million vials in 24 hours recently, and various quality and supplier partnership awards have been won. From the moment Nipro acquired the business in July 2011, there was a clear long-term strategic plan and vision for Nipro PharmaPackaging Americas (NPA).
A long-term strategic plan put into action.
Over the last 10 years, Nipro has invested greatly in NPA. Investments began almost immediately in terms of basic business maintenance and infrastructure, followed quickly by more manufacturing improvement and automation projects. The list of renewed equipment and advancements is impressive.
These include the development of an industrialized and commercial Vialex process, and the expansion of Lab and Machine Shop capabilities (including, but not limited to, SEM, auto-titrators, and upgraded XRF). The Lab and Machine Shop have also expanded in terms of external service – for example, there are now drug stability, compatibility, and long term study protocols provided to customers and glass schools.
There have also been advancements in Vial Forming (inspection system upgrades; improvements in flow and burner controls, and hydrolytic resistance control), Tube Drawing (inspection system upgrades; improvements in tube end cutting and finishing; capacity increases; improved throughput and extended furnace life cycles), and Automation (Vials: auto tube loaders; auto pack tables; Tube Draw: autopack conveyors and packers; auto pallet bagger).
NPA has leveraged on these investments and innovations with great success in the marketplace, ensuring that customers regard Nipro as a reliable supplier of pharmaceutical packaging as well as a technical partner and resource. Today, Nipro’s American arm is in the process of expanding its tube draw capacity and working on the next phase of vial equipment upgrades as well as further advancing automation.
Godfrey Aschmann, General Manager at NPA, on his vision for the future :
Axel Cortes shares his pride in working for Nipro:
Indeed, the people who work there have always been the foundation on which NPA has developed and grown the business. Being part of the larger Nipro family has infused the US operations with an energy and global collaboration that has been felt and embraced by all associates.
Aschmann continues, paying tribute to the workforce:
“The key to our success has always been our people. We are celebrating a great milestone with Nipro, a celebration that is only possible because of our energized and dynamic workforce.”
To celebrate, employees at every plant in the US were treated to a barbecue where they gathered with colleagues in a non-work atmosphere. It was a pleasant surprise to many employees that their meals were served by the managers on site.
OOn the preparations for the celebrations, Hara Carney, HR Benefits Coordinator, says:
“Organizing the celebrations for the 10th anniversary was a group effort. Everyone pitched in with great ideas and suggestions. It was fun!”
MMathew Asselta, Machine Attendant, sums up the general feeling on the ground nicely:
“I thought celebrating the 10th Nipro anniversary together while including all levels of employees, was a nice way that Nipro showed appreciation to us. It felt like a Nipro family environment. It made me realize that my employer values my work.”
On to the next decades
Nipro wishes all staff at Nipro PharmaPackaging Americas a happy 10th anniversary, and we look forward to growing further with you!
Re-live the moment!
