Vetter, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization that specializes in the aseptic filling of syringes, cartridges and vials, has been awarded first place for the category most improved manufacturing project or process at this year's European Outsourcing Awards. The application for the company's new high-speed filling line for pre-sterilized syringes was the top choice among the jury of experts due to its intelligent concepts and systems. The award was given to the company at a gala dinner on October 10, during the CPhI Worldwide/iCSE show in Madrid.

The winning filling line, located in Ravensburg, Germany allows for a flexible filling process, which optimizes production for up to 1 million syringes a day. Other innovations include end-to-end automated safe aseptic handling of tubs and a fully automated spray disinfection system. These technological innovations create the basis for reliable and high-quality manufacturing of parenteral mid and high-volume products.

"The international pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are seeking flexible, economically efficient and high-quality manufacturing processes," said Vetter managing director Thomas Otto. "In order to meet the high demand of our customers as well as the increased regulatory standards today and in the future, Vetter made the decision to invest in an entirely new filling line. Winning one of the most coveted European Outsourcing Awards for our innovative, high-speed manufacturing line is a great honor for Vetter and further justifies our decision to build this new line."

The company invested approximately 35 million euros into the development and construction of the new filling line at its Ravensburg Vetter South plant. In developing the line, Vetter and its engineering supplier, Bosch Packaging Technology, paid particular attention to quick aseptic handling for pre-sterilized drug-delivery systems. Together, Vetter and Bosch developed a fully automated spray disinfection tunnel, processes and systems for the safe aseptic transfer of tubs into higher cleanroom areas, as well as a filling station featuring flexible equipment for various production processes. The award recognizes the many innovations of the filling line itself, and further underscores the leading position that Vetter occupies in technological developments and efficient production processes. In 2007, the company also won the European Outsourcing Award for its entire Ravensburg Vetter South facility.