"Sharp is continuing to see a demand for services particularly as we move towards the serialization deadline of November 2017," Jeff Benedict, Senior Vice President, Sharp Packaging Solutions, told us.
"We had committed to expanding capacity in order to accommodate the contract packaging needs of our existing and prospective customers," he added
In the US, Sharp – a division of UDG Healthcare plc – has purchased Daiichi Sankyo’s Bethlehem, Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical packaging facility.
The 146,000 sq. ft. facility was purchased for a total of $14m. "All equipment and employees at the site were also part of the acquisition," said Benedict.
The FDA-approved facility includes four packaging equipment lines (two high-speed bottle lines, two blister lines), cold and frozen storage, office space, warehousing, and a 2,500 sq ft analytical laboratory.
Benedict explained the next steps will focus on ensuring an organized and timely integration of the Bethlehem site to the Sharp portfolio.
In the UK
Sharp has also announced a £9m ($11.3m) investment in a new facility in Rhymney, South Wales for its clinical packaging business.
The initial expansion phase is expected to be completed by late 2018 and includes the acquisition and renovation of an 110,000 sq. ft. facility.
The renovation will more than triple the size of the current UK facility and provides the opportunity for further capacity expansion.