Altana opens Irish pharma production facility

Altana Pharma, the pharmaceutical division of German-based Altana AG, has officially opened a new tablet production facility in Cork, Ireland.

The new plant will play an important role in Altana Pharma's global production network and provide extended capacity for the manufacturing of existing and future products.

The tablet manufacturing facility on the Carrigtohill Industrial Park in Cork required an investment of Euro 67m. The company currently employs 56 people, but at full operational level some 150 employees will be able to produce 3 billion tablets a year.

"The facility in Cork means that in addition to Oranienburg (Germany) Altana Pharma will have a second high-quality manufacturing site for solid formulations meeting the strictest international standards" said Dr Hans-Joachim Lohrisch, ceo. "This will provide greater flexibility and security in terms of supplying the market."

With demand for Pantoprazole, the company's product used in the treatment of acid-related gastrointestinal disorders, still rising, Cork will complement the production site in Oranienburg as a second tabletting site within the Pantoprazole supply chain.

"The technology applied reflects Altana's commitment to innovation," said Dr Declan Farrell, managing director of the Cork facility. "This means highly automated production equipment, producing products in a clean and environmentally sound manner, sophisticated IT systems as well as a modular design concept and an excellent work environment for the employees."