Country set for key role in life science value chain

Carbogen Amcis is a leading provider of drug development and commercialization services to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries.

The company added a Shanghai plant to its manufacturing portfolio in June 2014.

After only two years, the benefits of its Chinese asset have become obvious to the Swiss company.

"We are dedicated to helping companies reduce the costs, risks and time associated with bringing a drug to the market by offering integrated services and solutions for drug substances and drug products," said Stephan Fritschi, vice-president of operations at Carbogen Amcis, who is also responsible for the Shanghai plant.

"It was essential that we established a presence in China so that we could better meet our customers' needs. By locating ourselves directly in Shanghai, we are able to offer a wider range of capabilities, and we can also develop strong contacts with suppliers in China, and expand our customer portfolio.

"It was a strategic decision and our China facility plays a key role in our business offering," Fritschi said.

"All our sites in Switzerland, as well as those in France, Britain and China, operate according to the highest standards necessary to producing safe, high quality products," said Alan Fischer, the company's CIO.

"We have already earmarked some major funds to invest in the refurbishment and modernization of our Shanghai site. Further expansions in research and development are planned for this year."

The company is continuously expanding its Chinese workforce as part of its global growth strategy.

"The (Shanghai) site is operated by a highly qualified and multicultural team of 80 people, specialists who can provide efficient and adaptable solutions to customers around the world," said Stefan Arts, general manager of the Shanghai facility.

"The experienced site team has an excellent understanding of both our customers' needs and the market specifics. Transferring Carbogen Amcis' knowledge to the new facility will make for a strong collaboration, dedicated to meeting and exceeding our customers' needs in both the Chinese and international markets".

zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 01/18/2017 page7)