Part of the process

Mike Rodd of Bürkert talks about continued collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry and plans for expansion of its facilities.

Bürkert, a supplier of process valves for the pharmaceutical industry has witnessed a number of opportunities materialising. Beginning with a definite increase in partnerships between many different companies. In response to this the company has been investing for a long time to support the industry core drivers for process control and plant optimization. “With the high levels of investment we see on a global basis a noticeable trend is partnering; we recognize there is much discussion in the press about outsourcing opportunities for the future as well and from our perspective this is perhaps supporting a review of core competencies and subsequent investment and planning decisions taken across the industry. We can clearly see how the approach to partnering is becoming more open and demanding simultaneously.”

Over the past year the company has marketed a number of new products including its new generation of process valves. The company is enthusiastic that the products will be hitting the streets in numbers. Working with the pharmaceutical industry has shaped much of the innovation that went into these new products including the look and feel of the valves whilst a combination.

The pharmaceutical industry gave a real input into the look and feel of these valves and we combined different manufacturing techniques to deliver functionality, performance and technology whilst delivering a modern and stylish product. As Rodd describes how “the look and feel is consistent not only across the process valve range but we have transported it from our sensor range that has been launched progressively over the last year or so. The complete range brings together modularity and intelligence whilst fulfilling stringent design criteria demanded by the hygienic processing world.”

Working as one
In an effort to better serve the pharmaceutical industry, Bürkert has joined forces with BBS-Systems, based in Wii in Switzerland to combine know-how and experience. The alliance means that Burkert offers a comprehensive product portfolio, complete services and enhanced ability to deliver unique customised systems to a wide range of customers. This also mans that they have more manufacturing capacity to serve increasing demand and to share techniques and best practice ideas. “Not only will the increased scope of supply and combined know how benefit our existing customers it will also enhance the value that we can bring to partnering as we mentioned above. We share the same goals which are to add value to our customers and deliver an attuned range of components and systems that suit diverse needs.”

Along with this, the company has plans to extend the facilities at two of its factories at Gerabronn and Criesbach to top off the aims and requirements for the hygienic processing market segment. The factory in Criesbach will get two extensions this year with a total amount of space of around 2750 sqm; there will be a part, which is three-storied and there will be a mix of new offices and additional work shop space Explaining how important the expansion will be for the company Rodd said that  “Criesbach is a vital part of the supply chain process for products to the pharmaceutical industry producing the majority of our process valve bodies and complex multi port block valve solutions for applications such as WFI and CIP.”

At Gerabronn a new building with a total amount of space of approx. 3250 sqm will be added to the existing one to create a linear structure and an optimised material flow within the whole factory.

The company’s new Systemhaus in Ingelfingen, which was completed last year, has dedicated teams who are focussed on developing customer-specific system solutions. “The team handles all the phases from design through to manufacture (depending on the scale of manufacture either locally on site or in combination with another one of our factories),” elaborates Rodd. “Our Systemhaus concept signifies to strengthen our capabilities in consulting and engineering as well as demonstrates our willingness to invest for the benefit of our customers, offering integrated system solutions.”

Bio:
Mike joined Bürkert in 2001 and was responsible for the UK team and business. Since 2006, Mike has been working for Segment Management Hygienic Processing.