West Bolsters R&D Strategy with Global Site Expansions & Upgrades

West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. has announced a multi-year investment as part of the Company's evolving research and development strategy. To better support pharmaceutical customers around the world, West will add capabilities to all of its global Packaging Systems R&D facilities, and develop two new R&D Centers of Excellence-one in the Asia Pacific region and one in Europe-to leverage regional capabilities and expertise in parenteral drug packaging.

"For more than 90 years, West's focus on innovation, science and service has made us a trusted partner for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies worldwide," said Karen Flynn, President, Pharmaceutical Packaging Systems, West. "Our enhanced R&D Development Centers-in all regions of the globe-will further our commitment to our customers by providing world-class, science-based process and product development that enables us to quickly and efficiently anticipate and respond to changing market needs with new, innovative solutions."

The facility in Europe will be the Company's Center of Excellence for drug vial and cartridge seals, plastic technology and packaging component materials development, and will be on line by the end of 2016. The Company's location in the Asia Pacific region will serve as a Center of Excellence for innovation across all technologies specific to the emerging markets and is expected to be operational by the end of 2015.

In addition to the new facilities in the Asia Pacific region and Europe, a significant investment is being made in North America to expand the current R&D center located within the Exton, Pa. headquarters, and to upgrade the St. Petersburg, Fla. facility.

West's comprehensive research and development global network also includes development centers for self-injection and drug delivery systems along with the Company's contract manufacturing facilities in Tempe, Ariz., and Dublin, Ireland. A team focused on innovation in delivery systems is led from the West Innovation Center in Washington, N.J.

West's global investment in R&D demonstrates the Company's focus on developing the most advanced packaging and delivery systems for its customers in order to meet the growing demands of the healthcare industry.