Gerresheimer doubles pharmaceutical glass packaging capacity with new China plant

CHINA – Gerresheimer has officially commenced operations at a new pharmaceutical glass packaging facility in Zhenjiang Dagang, Jiangsu Province, doubling the company’s production capacity in China for glass primary packaging used in injectable medicines.

The newly completed plant, located within the Zhenjiang Economic Development Zone, occupies approximately 40,000 square metres and represents the culmination of a four-year construction project.

Gerresheimer has also reserved an additional 33,000 square metres of adjacent land to support future expansion as market demand grows.

The facility is initially producing borosilicate glass vials and ampoules for injectable pharmaceuticals, primarily serving the domestic Chinese market.

According to the company, approximately 250 employees currently work at the site, with the company planning to create an additional 50 jobs over the next few years.

In addition, the new plant is equipped with state-of-the-art glass-forming technology, automated manufacturing lines and integrated logistics systems designed to enhance production efficiency and ensure consistent product quality.

The facility manufactures pharmaceutical glass packaging in multiple sizes and formats in compliance with China’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements for pharmaceutical packaging, supporting the growing needs of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

The opening also marks the 20th anniversary of Gerresheimer’s partnership with Chinese glass manufacturer Shuangfeng Glass.

Through their joint venture, Gerresheimer Shuangfeng Pharmaceutical Glass, the companies now operate four tubular glass production facilities across China, including two plants in Danyang, one in Zhenjiang and the new facility in Zhenjiang Dagang.

Mehran Nilchian, Global Senior Vice President of Tubular Glass at Gerresheimer, said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the rapidly expanding pharmaceutical market in Asia.

“With our new plant in Zhenjiang Dagang, we are responding to the dynamic market growth in China, particularly in the field of injectable biologics,” he said.

“We are pleased that we can provide our pharma and biotech customers in China and the Asia-Pacific region with the best possible support through our expanded production capacity, excellent quality, and comprehensive service.”

The investment comes as demand for pharmaceutical glass packaging continues to rise worldwide, driven by increasing production of biologics, vaccines, injectable therapies and advanced medicines that require high-quality, chemically resistant primary packaging.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are investing heavily in expanding production capacity to meet growing healthcare needs while ensuring compliance with stringent quality and regulatory standards.

Gerresheimer’s latest expansion reinforces the broader trend of pharmaceutical packaging manufacturers establishing advanced regional production hubs closer to key healthcare markets, improving supply chain resilience and supporting the continued growth of the global biopharmaceutical industry.

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