Freeman sets up US subsidiary and plans to establish service lab

22-Feb-2012 - Last updated on 22-Feb-2012 at 16:15 GMT

Freeman Technology says growing Pharma demand for analytical data prompted the formation of US subsidiary and it behind its plans for a new laboratory.

The UK powder flowability technology firm established its US sales and services arm – Freeman Technology Inc – late last month, choosing the drug manufacturing hub New Jersey as its base of operations.

Company managing director Tim Freeman told in-Pharmatechnologist.com the expansion into the US was in response to drug industry demand.

“Pharma is a key market with similar factors driving growth in many areas. It remains an innovative industry with a significant R&D spend, that still relies heavily on bringing new products to market. Analytical information drives that innovative cycle.”

Manufacturers’ need for process efficiency was also a factor in Freeman’s decision to set up the US unit according to Freeman, who said that: “Understanding in detail how the process works and how to engineer it effectively is essential for competitive manufacture, and here too it is analytical data that provide the necessary knowledge.

The initial focus will be on growing sales of its FT4 Powder Rheometer, however, Freeman intends to ramp up its service activities significantly in the coming years.

“We plan to rapidly grow both the team and our facilities in the US. This will include laboratory facilities and the ability to provide in house training and customer support. It will also facilitate a base for technical service, and extended sales and marketing activities.

Global plans

Freeman also spoke about Freeman’s global plans, explaining that while established markets are the focus, the global expansion of the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector is creating significant opportunities.

“We have always considered the US as a major powder processing market and as such prioritised it, along with important countries close to our headquarters in Europe during the initial years.

“However, the global powder processing community is vast and Asia is now increasingly commanding our attention. China, India and Japan all have very active pharmaceutical sectors and many other powder processing industries.