GEA opens plant in India to meet local demand
The plant, in Gujarat's third biggest city Vadodara, will provide solid dose and liquid pharmaceutical processing equipment to local and global pharmaceutical companies, initially focusing on GEA's range of fluid bed and granulation technology.
GEA, which has previously manufactured equipment outside India, believes the new facility will offer cost advantages for customers.
“In most projects, around 70% of the project value is in peripheral equipment. It’s also essential for us to keep the technical know-how close at hand to help us maintain the efficient after-sales service our customers expect.”
"The effects of low-cost manufacturing, locally-sourced peripheral equipment and reduced transportation costs can often reduce the equipment price by around 40% or more when compared with equipment bought from Europe."
Furthermore, using nearby suppliers will benefit companies in the region and help GEA establish strong links to the local pharma industry. The Vadodara plant has been built adjacent to GEA’s existing office building which opened in 2007.
Indian focus
Opening the facility in Vadodara is part of GEA’s long-term strategy to ensure sustainable global supply. India will play an increasingly important role in these plans and this is highlighted by GEA’s recent deals with Mumbai-based ACE Technologies.
Under the terms of the agreements ACE will distribute GEA Courtoy’s Modul tablet presses and GEA Lyophil’s pharmaceutical freeze drying technology throughout India.
GEA believes that India-based pharma manufacturers are increasingly demanding equipment which complies with international quality standards. Using this equipment can improve the quality of products destined for the local market and help companies break into Europe.
Since publication of the article a GEA spokesperson has informed in-PharmaTechnologist that the company cannot substantiate the figures of 40 and 70 per cent.
