Gerresheimer, an innovative system and solution provider and global partner to the pharma, biotech, and cosmetic industries, has started operations at a new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, China, for the production of glass primary pharmaceutical packaging. The state-of-the-art, energy-efficient facility, covering around 40,000 m² (60 mu), was completed after approximately four years of construction in the Zhenjiang Economic Development Zone in Jiangsu Province. The plant fully meets the 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 facility, Gerresheimer is doubling its production capacity for primary packaging for injectable pharmaceuticals in China, producing pharmaceutical vials and ampoules primarily for the Chinese market. The plant currently employs about 250 workers, with approximately 50 new jobs expected in the coming years, contributing to roughly 300 skilled jobs from the region. This marks Gerresheimer's fourth Tubular Glass plant in China, continuing its 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 new plant is equipped with state-of-the-art glass forming lines and intelligent production and logistics systems featuring a high degree of automation. The 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. The plant also has a comprehensive ISO-certified quality and environmental management system.
In terms of sustainability, the plant sets new standards. It was designed and built in accordance with China’s “Green Factory” guidelines and the LEED Gold certification requirements of the U.S. Green Building Council. A 2-MWp rooftop photovoltaic system generates sustainable electricity consumed on-site. Water is systematically collected and recycled, including rainwater and condensation from air conditioning systems. Exhaust heat from production is used to heat other areas. These energy and resource efficiencies contribute positively to Gerresheimer's ambitious sustainability goals.
The start of operations also marks the 20th anniversary of the successful partnership between Gerresheimer and Chinese company Shuangfeng Glass. The joint venture, Gerresheimer Shuangfeng Pharmaceutical Glass Co., Ltd., now operates a total of four Tubular Glass plants in China: two in Danyang, one in Zhenjiang, and the new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang. With this expanded production capacity, Gerresheimer positions itself as one of the leading suppliers of primary packaging for the pharmaceutical and biotech industries in China. For more information, visit Gerresheimer's website.
