The Bangalore-based Anglo-French Drugs & Industries Ltd is upgrading its existing manufacturing units at Pitampur, Indore and Peenya near Bangalore. It is expanding its existing manufacturing capacity by adding latest machineries as per the US FDA norms. With an initial investment of Rs 7 crore, expansion is expected to be completed by end of this month.
The company has a 'state-of-the-art' injectable plant at Pithampur. To enhance its competitive advantage through production of specialties of high standards, it has a modern tabletting unit at Peenya near Bangalore. This plant meets up the rapidly growing demand for its major products. It has been set up with most sophisticated automatic manufacturing equipments and has received WHO GMP approval. The AFD has two WHO-approved ultra-modern plants for tablets and injectables, with a well-equipped R&D department. The company is engaged in the development of new formulations. Its R&D has recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
Speaking to Pharmabiz, Lakhnesh Khosla, vice president, sales and marketing, Anglo-French Drugs and Industries Ltd, said, "With the initial investment of Rs 7 crore, we are upgrading our existing manufacturing facilities at Pitampur and Peenya. We are upgrading both the facilities as per the US FDA norms. After the completion of expansion, we will be applying for the US FDA approval. We are also installing ERPs (enterprise resource planning) software solution".
"The company has already received required licence for the ERPs and it will be in effect from March 2008. With the annual turnover of Rs 80 crore in the last financial year, we are targeting to touch Rs 100 crore for the next fiscal. We are continuously increasing our manpower strength. From the current strength of 375, it will go upto 650 by the end of 2008 and in the next five years time it is expected to be around 1800".
The company is having strong product pipelines for the next three years. It will be launching around 40 more new products in the domestic market. AFD has plans to introduce three new pharma divisions, namely, respiratory, gastro and pain management. It will be launching full range of products for the pain management and anti malarial segment.
The AFD already has its presence in the international market. It caters to the East European, South East Asian and the Middle East markets. The company now plans a worldwide thrust on exports to become a key player in the global pharmaceutical arena. Talking about new market initiative, Khosla, said, "In the next two years time, we are targeting to enter into the Latin American and European markets. We are also looking for the acquisition from domestic as well as from the international market. We do have plans to get listed on the BSE".