The facility in Nizhny Novgorod, which was first announced in 2007, is due to become operational by the end of the year as a production hub for the manufacture of pharmaceutical ampoules, vials and glass tubing.
Schott spokesperson Christa Fritschi told in-PharmaTechnologist that: “The growing market in Russia with its increasing demand for high-quality packaging and growing GMP requirements were important factors [in deciding to build the new plant].”
Fritschi explained that although Schott has sold pharmaceutical glass packaging in Russia since the early 90s, the products were made at a facility in Hungary before being shipped to the country.
“With our local plant in Russia, we will be able to meet the specific local requirements even better than in the past,” continued Fritschi, adding that the plant will provide a more flexible and secure supply.
She added that the Nizhny Novgorod plant will supply primary packaging to customers throughout the Russian Federation and the CIS, while the Hungarian facility will act as a backup.
Fritschi stressed that: “The quality of the products from Russia and Hungary will be of the same high quality. Furthermore the Hungarian plant will strengthen it's position in Europe by developing new customers and markets.
According the Schott the facility will have the capacity to produce hundreds of millions of ampoules and vials from its Fiolax glass tubing and will initially employ a staff of 60, which will expand to 200 by 2014.