Gerresheimer, a large German manufacturer that specializes in packaging, drug delivery systems and medical devices, yesterday announced a new expansion project in Peachtree City, Georgia, to expand U.S. production of medical systems, like inhalers and autoinjectors. The project is scheduled to be executed in two stages.
The company will expand its production footprint by 194,000 square feet as part of a $180 million investment to build and equip two new buildings. The project will create more than 400 new jobs, according to the company. Some 270 people currently work at the Peachtree City site.
Most Read on Medical Design & Development:
- Endo Health to Pay $1.5B for Distributing Misbranded Opioid Medication
- Cannabis Rescheduling and its Implications for Skilled Nursing Homes
- Abbott Issues Another Serious HeartMate 3 Recall After 2 Deaths
- FDA Recalls Insulin Pump App Tied to Hundreds of Injuries
Dietmar Siemssen, CEO of Gerresheimer AG, says the North American market is an important growth area for the company. Thus, the expansion is one of Gerresheimer's key projects in its global capacity expansions. The company manages some 35 production sites across 16 countries.
During the first expansion stage, the company built a new 83,000-square-foot building next to the existing plant. About 53,800 square feet will be ISO 14644-1 cleanroom class nine production areas.
After construction work wraps up, the company will start installing specialized production technology, likely in the second half of 2024. By the end of the year, the company hopes to begin ramping up production. A portion of the new building also includes a new, automated high-bay warehouse.
After the first stage is completed, the Peachtree City site will have about 130,000 square feet of cleanroom class eight and nine production space.
The second stage includes a new 110,000-square-foot plant near Atlanta Regional Airport, about 1.6 miles from Peachtree City. The new plant will add 77,500 square feet of cleanroom class nine production space and an automated high-bay warehouse.
Construction on the new factory near the airport will begin soon; the company is waiting for work to finish on an access road and additional supply infrastructure. Gerresheimer plans to start installing production and assembly lines in 2025, with production ramping up by the end of next year.
In Peachtree, Gerresheimer makes medical devices, like inhalers, components for infusion sets, microinjectors, test cards for microbiological tests and autoinjectors used in diabetes and obesity therapy.
The announcement comes just a few months after the State of Georgia announced an $88 million investment to expand in Peachtree City, which will essentially fund the first phase of the total expansion project. The $180 million announced yesterday includes the $88 million as part of the total investment.
