Gerresheimer, an innovative system and solution provider for the pharma, biotech, and cosmetic industries, has started operations at a new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, China, dedicated to the production of glass primary pharmaceutical packaging. The facility, which took approximately four years to construct, spans around 40,000 m2 (60 mu) in the Zhenjiang Economic Development Zone in Jiangsu Province, with an additional 33,000 m2 (50 mu) available for future expansion. The plant meets stringent regulatory requirements for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries and sets new standards in sustainability.
With this new facility, Gerresheimer is doubling its production capacity for primary packaging for injectable pharmaceuticals in China. The site currently produces pharmaceutical vials and ampoules primarily for the Chinese market, employing about 250 workers, with approximately 50 new jobs expected to be created in the coming years. This marks Gerresheimer's fourth Tubular Glass plant in China and continues its successful 20-year partnership with Shuangfeng Glass.
“With our new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, we are responding to the dynamic market growth in China, particularly in the field of injectable biologics,” said Mehran Nilchian, Global Senior Vice President of Tubular Glass at Gerresheimer. “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 a wide range of 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 a comprehensive ISO-certified quality and environmental management system.
Sustainability is a key focus of the new facility, which was 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 consumed on-site. Water is systematically collected and recycled, including rainwater and condensation from air conditioning. Exhaust heat from production is used to heat other areas. These energy and resource efficiencies contribute positively to Gerresheimer's ambitious sustainability goals.
The start of operations also marks 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 expanded capacity, Gerresheimer positions itself as a leading supplier of primary packaging for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries in China.
