Speaking to Outsourcing-Pharma Amanda Russell, marketing manager at LGC Standards, explained how the company was attracted to the growth of the Russian pharma market, which Espicom predicts is 17 per cent per annum.
Growth of the pharma industry has had the knock on effect of increasing laboratory work and, with companies in Russia aiming to meet western standards, LGC believes there is demand for its products and services.
Russell added that this belief is underpinned by LGC’s experience at its Poland-based office, which also served the Russian market. LGC often begins serving a country from a neighbouring territory, according to Russell, and establishes another office when demand increases.
This process has now moved LGC into Russia. Russell explained that although the Polish office houses Russian-speaking experts, clients prefer LGC to have a base in their home country and the expansion provides this.
From this office LGC will support laboratories in the areas of reference material distribution, proficiency testing, production of pharma impurities and custom synthesis.
Significant expansions
Since taking its current form in 2007 LGC has established offices or sent sales representatives to numerous countries but Russell believes the expansions into China and Russia are the most significant.
These expansions have both occurred in a busy six month period for LGC and the company is looking at setting up more offices, according to Russell.
Although she was unable to name locations Russell confirmed that LGC is in talks with its existing offices and representatives about further expansions.
In addition to Russia and China LGC has a presence, either office or sales representative, in countries throughout Western and Eastern Europe, as well as the US and India.