Pharmaceutical Packaging: An Interview with PCI
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Packaging Coordinators, Inc is is the global leader for packaging services and a trusted partner to the world’s largest and most successful pharmaceutical firms.
With the company recently exhibiting at CPhI Worldwide we used the opportunity to speak with them to learn more about the company and what has driven their recent expansion.
AB: Can you tell me a little about Packaging Coordinators, Inc. (PCI)?
PCI: In its current form PCI was formed in May 2013 following the acquisition by an investment consortium led by Frazier Healthcare of the AndersonBrecon contract pharmaceutical packaging business from AmerisourceBergen Inc. We have facilities on two continents, headquartered in Philadelphia PA. Leading technology and continued investment enables us to address global packaging needs throughout the product life cycle — from Phase I clinical trials through commercialization and ongoing commercial supply.
AB: The company has recently exhibited at CPhI Worldwide at the end of October, what services will you be showcasing?
PCI: As above, we strive to meet our client packaging and distribution requirements throughout the life cycle of the product from early phase clinical to commercial maturity. One of the major challenges facing our industry is the impact of the Serialization of commercially available drug products and we feel that we are well ahead of the curve in our preparation and execution, of this global security and anti-counterfeiting measure.
AB: You recently announced expansion of your Hay-on-Wye site, with the company looking to recruit a further 50 personnel. What has driven this need?
PCI: Quite simply, since the formation of PCI earlier this year our business has grown considerably, continuing a trend that we’ve been fortunate to enjoy for the last several years. Our growth has been through both existing clients choosing to work with us with greater order volumes as well as the on-boarding of new clients. Being part of the largest global company of its type has major advantages.
AB: With the expansion coming on top of the appointment of 40 staff members since April 2013, do you expect this trend to continue?
PCI: We see no reason why it shouldn’t. Obviously growth takes many forms and although we hope to have expanded, in headcount terms, by more than 25% by the end of this year. We plan that our capacity to service our customer base will increase by a greater amount as our infrastructure expands to accommodate the growth.
AB: What do you see as the biggest challenges facing your industry over the next 5 years?
PCI: As we’ve already stated, serialization is probably the largest challenge but we feel we are very well positioned to deliver the right solutions for our clients. Needless to say that we are continuously looking to work more efficiently and as cost is added to the packaging process by challenges like serialization and utility and fuel prices impact storage and distribution we will continue to strive for gains that we can share with our partners.
PCI were speaking to Ashley Board, Managing Editor for Technology Networks. You can find Ashley on Google+ and follow Technology Networks on Twitter.
