Penn Pharma expands HP manufacturing capabilities in Wales

The firm says the extension – a 15,000 sq ft development for its site on the Tafarnaubach Industrial Estate in Tredegar – is a preparatory measure for a number of HP (highly potent) compounds in the pipeline.

CEO Richard Yarwood told Outsourcing-Pharma the move will place Penn high in the tox producing big leagues, and will allow it to take on more large scale biz as the products come to market.

“This development puts us in a strong position globally to work with pharma companies of all sizes,”he said, adding:“We are already in talks with a number of potential clients about the use of the facility.”

The plant currently offers solid-dose production including aqueous and fluid bed drying and granulation capabilities, extrusion, film coating and encapsulation. The expansion includes the addition of latest generation contained processing equipment.

The CDMO (contract development and manufacturing organisation) says, when the building is completed, it will go after more alliances with companies in the oncology and orphan drug arena.

Outsourcing boom

Yarwood said that though the firm is already operating in markets all over the world, the new development will allow it to work on a bigger scale to meet the growing needs of the outsourcing industry – especially in emerging markets.

“Outsourcing is on the increase and we are in a strong position to be able to capitalise on these trends,”he told us.

When asked why Wales was the choice for the firm’s global expansion, Yarwood attributed a large part of the firm’s success to support from the Welsh Assembly Government.

He said:“We have been based in Wales for 25 years and have enjoyed great success and received unrivalled support from the Welsh Assembly Government.”