Gerresheimer, a global partner to the pharma, biotech, and cosmetic industries, has begun operations at a new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, China, marking a significant expansion of its production capacity for glass primary pharmaceutical packaging. The facility, located in the Zhenjiang Economic Development Zone in Jiangsu Province, spans approximately 40,000 m2 (60 mu) and was completed after four years of construction. It is designed to meet stringent regulatory requirements of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, with an additional 33,000 m2 (50 mu) of land available for future expansion.
With this new plant, Gerresheimer is doubling its production capacity for primary packaging for injectable pharmaceuticals in China. The company currently produces pharmaceutical vials and ampoules at the site, primarily for the Chinese market, with a workforce of about 250 employees. Approximately 50 new jobs are expected to be created in the coming years, bringing the total to around 300 skilled workers from the region. The plant is the company’s fourth Tubular Glass facility in China, continuing a successful 20-year partnership with Shuangfeng Glass.
“With our new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, we are responding to the dynamic market growth in China, particularly in the field of injectable biologics,” said Mehran Nilchian, Global Senior Vice President of Tubular Glass at Gerresheimer. “We are pleased that we can provide our pharma and biotech customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region with the best possible support through our expanded production capacity, excellent quality, and comprehensive service.”
The plant is equipped with state-of-the-art glass forming lines and intelligent production and logistics systems with a high degree of automation. Borosilicate glass vials and ampoules are produced in a wide range of sizes and designs in accordance with China’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for pharmaceutical packaging. Controlled areas include over 2,700 m2 of ISO Class 8 cleanroom space, an ISO Class 7 microbiological laboratory, and over 700 m2 of ISO Class 8 space for silicone coating of ampoules and vials. The facility also features a comprehensive ISO-certified quality and environmental management system.
Sustainability is a key focus of the new plant. It was designed and built according to China’s “Green Factory” guidelines and LEED Gold certification requirements from the U.S. Green Building Council. A 2-MWp rooftop photovoltaic system generates sustainable electricity consumed directly on-site. Water is systematically collected and recycled, including rainwater and condensation from air conditioning systems, and exhaust heat from production is used to heat other areas. These efforts contribute positively to Gerresheimer’s ambitious sustainability goals.
The start of operations also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the successful partnership between Gerresheimer and Shuangfeng Glass. Their joint venture, Gerresheimer Shuangfeng Pharmaceutical Glass Co., Ltd., now operates four Tubular Glass plants in China: two in Danyang, one in Zhenjiang, and the new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang. With this expanded capacity, Gerresheimer positions itself as a leading supplier of primary packaging for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries in China, serving a rapidly growing market for injectable biologics.
For more information, visit Gerresheimer's website.
