Chester Medical invests US$2.6M in high-speed blister line to meet pharmaceutical demand

UK – Chester Medical Solutions has invested £2 million (approximately US$2.6 million) in a new Marchesini Integra 520 blister packing line, significantly increasing its capacity for pharmaceutical and nutritional products as demand for contract packaging services continues to rise.

The Wirral-based company installed the fully automated line, comprising the Integra 520 blister machine, MA300 carton erector, stretch bander, and case packer, in one of its production suites.

The equipment joins five existing Noack 623 blister lines, creating a substantial increase in overall blister packing capacity for solid dosage forms including tablets and capsules.

By the Numbers: Capacity Expansion

The new line is designed for high-volume production, enabling Chester Medical to serve larger pharmaceutical and nutritional clients requiring thermoform and cold-form blister packaging.

The company offers a fully integrated service including packaging design, printed cartons, patient information leaflets, labels, and contract packing.

Its capabilities also include pot filling, peel pouch manufacture, blister packing for medical devices, and device assembly.

Tammy Williams, sales director at Chester Medical Solutions, explained that the company is experiencing good growth and is also making investment in the carton and leaflet side of the business, with new equipment being installed in the first quarter of this year.

She noted that the state-of-the-art blister packing line, combined with the existing five Noack lines, has allowed the company to significantly increase overall blister packing capacity, ensuring it can meet the growing demands of the pharmaceutical and nutritional industries.

Strategic Positioning in Contract Packaging

Chester Medical’s investment arrives as the European contract packaging market for pharmaceuticals continues to expand.

According to industry data, the global pharmaceutical contract packaging market is projected to reach approximately US$36 billion by 2030, driven by increased outsourcing of packaging operations, serialization requirements, and the growing complexity of drug delivery systems.

The UK market, in particular, has seen sustained demand as pharmaceutical companies seek reliable partners with certified facilities and validated processes.

The company’s Wirral facility operates under pharmaceutical-grade standards, with the new line integrated into existing quality management systems to ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practice requirements.

The ability to handle both thermoform and cold-form blister formats provides flexibility for clients with moisture-sensitive products or specialized packaging needs.

Comprehensive Service Offering

Beyond blister packing, Chester Medical offers a fully integrated service bringing products from concept to market.

This includes packaging design, printed packaging items such as cartons and labels, and contract packing services.

The investment in carton and leaflet equipment during Q1 2026 further strengthens the company’s ability to provide end-to-end solutions for pharmaceutical and nutritional clients.

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