Gerresheimer is expanding its capacity for glass vials. The company is investing in production in Wertheim to increase vial capacity by 150 million vials per year and intends to create 70 new jobs. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection is funding the investment as part of the federal promotion of production facilities for borosilicate tubular glass and glass vials for use in vaccine production.
Gerresheimer is already one of the world’s largest manufacturers of the products required for vaccination campaigns, among other things. Until now, the company has primarily supplied the European demand for vials from its plants in Boleslawiec (Poland) and Chalon (France). The investment will make the plant in Wertheim one of the leading vial production sites in Europe.
Dietmar Siemssen, CEO of Gerresheimer AG, emphasizes the importance of the production expansion: “We already produce almost a third of the world’s glass vials worldwide. By expanding our global capacities, we are consistently implementing our growth strategy. By the end of 2022, we will be the world’s leading producer of glass vials and manufacture the highest quality and most innovative products.”
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection is funding the investment in Wertheim. By expanding production capacity in Wertheim, Gerresheimer is making an important contribution to improving the supply of glass vials to European vaccine manufacturers. The technology used in Wertheim makes it possible to produce vials in GX-Elite quality. Vials made from this glass, with their outstanding cosmetic and dimensional properties, lead to significantly better results in the filling of vaccines by Gerresheimer’s customers. They are also characterized by increased strength compared to standard vials.
Gerresheimer has significantly increased its production capacity for vials. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, they are now almost 50% higher. As a supplier of critical healthcare infrastructure, the company is a reliable partner for the pharma and biotech industry as well as for national and international governments. Gerresheimer’s management anticipates a long-term increase in demand for drugs that need to be injected – and therefore a higher demand for vials. The global pandemic has highlighted the importance of a reliable and high-quality supply of injection solutions.
