The German supplier expects the plant to be up and running by 2009, located in Bor, close to the major Russian hub of Nizhny Novgorod. The firm produces parenteral packaging for the pharma industry, and the Russian plant will add to the company's network of 10 production sites worldwide. "This move is of great strategic importance to our pharma business," said Schott's chairman, Udo Ungeheuer. "It will strengthen the company's leading position and allow for pharmaceutical customers based in the Commonwealth of Independent States to be served more effectively." According to the company, the market for premium quality pharmaceutical vials and ampoules is experiencing double digit growth, an environment Schott hopes to take advantage of by developing its position in Russia. While Schott has been serving the Russian pharmaceutical packaging market for several years, it had been relying on a plant in Hungary to provide its products. The new Russian facility will allow the firm to deliver to the market more directly and efficiently. The first phase of operation at the new plant will focus on manufacture of primary packaging materials with approximately 150 employees. The company plans to install equipment allowing capacity for around 300 million units, but the site in Bor can accommodate further expansion to meet any increased demand. This will be Schott's first pharma packaging site in the country, though the firm already operates another facility in the country for processing flat glass for ovens and refrigerators.
