Contract services provider Almac has expanded its MHRA/FDA approved UK commercial packaging facility with the acquisition of a state-of-the-art Noack N 623 blister packaging line from Romaco.
The firm says it bought the machine in response to growing demand for larger blister sizes and multi-unit blister formats, as well as a requirement for non permeability and enhanced environmental protection, particularly product humidity control.
The flexible and cGMP-compliant N 623 can be configured to process both thermoformed and cold-form materials, with maximum blister sizes of 220mm x 155mm. With its automatic feeding system, filling inspection and ejection station and shorter set-up times, the line processes in excess of 25,000 blisters an hour, including multi-product blisters.
‘Blister size and dosage formats are becoming increasingly more complex. Additionally, product handling for innovative new molecules often requires enhanced environmental controls,’ said Geoff Sloan, vp of Manufacturing Operations. ‘This investment allows Almac, through its Pharma Services business unit, to offer this additional flexibility.’
‘Through this acquisition, coupled with our imminent entry into the US commercial packaging market, we continue to expand our capabilities and flexibility to meet our client’s needs.’
Romaco’s sales director Bernd Webel says the blister technology from Romaco Noack enables product changeovers to be carried out easily and cleaning is quickly done. ‘Our machines prove themselves flexible in operation and versatile in use,’ he said.
