SCHOTT announces major expansion of pharmaceutical packaging manufacturing in Russia

Mainz/Moscow, November 26, 2012 – SCHOTT Pharmaceutical Packaging continues to experience growth in Russia and now plans to increase the production capacities at its plant in in Zavolzhe by more than 50 percent. The manufacturer announced this move today at the Pharmtech trade fair in Moscow. “Expanding our presence in Russia represents an important strategic step for the benefit of our customers,” emphasizes Prof. Udo Ungeheuer, Chairman of the Board of Management of SCHOTT AG. “We are seeing continued growth in demand for locally manufactured primary packaging that also meets all of the international standards for quality. This will result in shorter delivery routes and better export opportunities for our customers. In other words, by pursuing a consistent investment strategy, we will be helping our customers in the Russian pharmaceutical industry to achieve their own growth and quality objectives,” he adds.

The Russian pharmaceutical industry has experienced double-digit growth in recent years. State initiatives like the government’s “Pharma 2020” strategy that seeks to encourage local manufacturing of high-quality medications according to the GMP standard (“Good Manufacturing Practice”) will continue this development. SCHOTT became the first international manufacturer in Russia to open a new GMP-compliant pharmaceutical packaging plant in the spring of 2011 and it has been a great success. After all, the order situation has made it necessary to expand capacities earlier than expected. By setting up new production lines for vials and ampoules, SCHOTT has now demonstrated consistency in taking the next step toward continuing to offer its Russian customers shorter delivery times. 

“Thanks to our many years of experience and high international standards for quality, SCHOTT is the right partner for the ambitious and growing Russian pharmaceutical industry,” Sackhoff adds. Here, he is referring to the growing quality requirements of the Russian pharmaceutical industry. “GMP will be required by law for all companies that manufacture in Russia starting in 2014 and SCHOTT has the necessary know-how on helping its customers to establish GMP-certified manufacturing thanks to its 125 years of experience and global manufacturing network,” Ungeheuer concludes.

About SCHOTT Pharmaceutical Systems
SCHOTT Pharmaceutical Systems is one of the world’s leading suppliers of glass tubing and primary packaging for the pharmaceutical industry. We provide our customers with quality solutions while meeting their highest demands with our material expertise, specialized analytical lab services, and a broad product portfolio, including syringes, cartridges, vials, ampoules, and special articles made of glass and COC polymer. With five glass tubing production sites and fifteen sites for pharmaceutical packaging spread over four continents, we are a reliable supplier that offers local service. Our state-of-the-art production facilities and products comply with the highest international quality standards for pharmaceutical needs. 

About SCHOTT
SCHOTT is an international technology group with more than 125 years of experience in the areas of specialty glasses and materials and advanced technologies. SCHOTT ranks number one in the world with many of its products. Its core markets are the household appliance, solar power, pharmaceuticals, electronics, optics, transportation and architecture industries. The company is strongly committed to contributing to its customers’ success and making SCHOTT an important part of people’s lives with high-quality products and intelligent solutions. SCHOTT is committed to managing its business in a sustainable manner and supporting its employees, society and the environment. The SCHOTT Group maintains close proximity to its customers with manufacturing and sales units in all major markets. Its workforce of around 17,000 employees generated worldwide sales of approximately 2.9 billion euros for the 2010/2011 fiscal year. SCHOTT AG, with its headquarters in Mainz (Germany) is owned by the Carl Zeiss Foundation.