Vetter Pharma-Fertigung, world leader in the production of aseptically prefilled injection systems, has won this year’s Facility of the Year award in the Process Innovation category for its new facility, Ravensburg Vetter South (RVS). The award, which is sponsored jointly by ISPE, INTERPHEX and the Pharmaceutical Processing magazine, is one of the most important distinctions in the pharmaceutical industry. An international jury of experts selected RVS for its technological innovations, which are optimally designed to meet the existing and future demands of the pharmaceutical manufacturing of prefilled syringes, cartridges and vials.

“The facility,” according to the jury, “is the result of more than a quarter of a century of expertise in aseptically pre-filling. It features maximum automation, and high standards of sterility, safety and quality”. They noted in particular that “automation was planned throughout the building, from door openers to the use of the brand new Restricted Access Barrier System (RABS) on the filling lines.” With the facility, which began operating in October 2006, the company will increase its capacity to 400 million units per year. The company’s production site currently has two filling lines for liquid and lyophilized drugs in the following systems: dual-chamber syringes, and single and dual-chamber cartridges and vials. Two more lines will be added in the near future.