Recent Milestones Mark Ropack’s 35th Anniversary, Position the Contract Packager for Growth

Montreal, Canada – December 2011 – During its 35th anniversary, Ropack celebrates its notable past which continues to shape the company. At the same time, it demonstrates that it is a company clearly focused on the future. Two recent milestones propel the contract packager for the pharmaceutical and consumer health-care industries into that strong future: the launch of a $9 million low RH, controlled-temperature production facility for stick-pack and all temperature- and humidity-sensitive products and the acquisition of a neighboring building which expands the company’s campus.

In 1976, Roger Massicotte and a partner recognized a niche opportunity: the production of private label sugar pouches requiring short runs that the large refineries would not accommodate. So, in 4,000 square feet of rented space, the two founders – Ropack’s only staff for more than a year – produced 300 different brands on a pair of secondhand machines skillfully refurbished by Massicotte. Today, Ropack provides primary and secondary packaging, warehousing and distribution to some of the most respected brands in the pharmaceutical and consumer health-care industries. Owning 247,000 square feet of space, with green fields that can accommodate another 60,000 square feet, the company employs 300.

“My father started Ropack in 1976 with a passion to make it successful,” says Yves Massicotte, the company’s president and CEO. “That determination motivates me every day and is an integral part of our company culture. Our newest production facility is the work of our terrific team, each of them driven to ensure that Ropack’s facilities, equipment, quality, integrity and service cannot be matched elsewhere in North America.”

The new 15,000-square-foot temperature- and humidity-controlled facility, which began production in May, increases the company’s packaging options to include stick-pack – slim, tube-shaped packets – and reflects Ropack’s commitment to spearhead in North America this packaging option which is a preferred choice in Europe and Asia. “As a company anchored by long-term strategy, it’s particularly
appropriate that we are launching this state-of-the-industry facility during our 35th anniversary,” observes Massicotte.

Long-term vision also drove the decision to purchase the neighboring 37,000-square-foot building, earmarked to accommodate the demand for warehousing and distribution, and eventually to increase production and office space. “Expanding our square footage signals our commitment to growth and to ongoing improvements that place Ropack at the forefront of technology and service,” notes Massicotte. “It tells our clients, both current and prospective, of our stability as well as our ability to be an effective production extension of their own company.”

Ropack, a contract packaging and manufacturing provider for the pharmaceutical and consumer health-care industries, offers turnkey primary and secondary packaging of solid oral dosage. Ropack operates ambient and refrigerated manufacturing, packaging and warehousing space, providing temperature-monitored distribution services to wholesale distribution networks, physicians and clinical study sites in Canada and the U.S. Facilities are cGMP compliant, Health Canada certified, FDA site-licensed and hold a Natural Health Product license.

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Contact:
Paul Dupont, Director of Business Development
Ropack Inc.
(513) 846-0921
Email: Paul Dupont

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Ropack Launches $9 Million Class 100000 Dedicated Facility

Montreal, Canada – May 17, 2011 – Ropack, provider of contract manufacturing and packaging services to the global pharmaceutical and consumer health-care industries, today began stickpack production in its new 15,000-square-foot dedicated manufacturing suite.  The nearly $9 million facility provides uni-dose packaging of solid oral dosage in four Class 100000 clean rooms, each ensuring low relative humidity (20%), controlled temperature and controlled residual oxygen to 4%.

In addition to state-of-the-industry equipment and technology, the Ropack team has considered every detail to ensure product integrity. For example, mechanical rooms are positioned so that there is no interference from outside elements.  Flow of product and personnel assures cleanliness and efficiency. Strict procedures and documentation are followed to maintain the highest standards.

“We have taken every step to ensure that our new dedicated suite far exceeds what is available elsewhere to our clients,” says Yves Massicotte, Ropack’s President and CEO.  “It is our goal to be the top North American facility for stickpack production and packaging of all humidity- and temperature-sensitive products.” Ropack’s project manager, Patrice Joly, agrees. “We have taken extraordinary measures to protect our clients’ products and the people who use them.”

Stickpacks – slim, tube-shaped packets approximately the size of a stick of gum – have significant consumer acceptance in Europe and Asia.  Ropack is taking a primary role in advancing stickpacks in the North American market. “Stickpacks are a convenient and highly marketable packaging option, so we are enthusiastic about spearheading efforts in North America,” says Paul Dupont, Director of Business Development. “I believe we can provide the pharmaceutical and consumer health-care industries the highest level of quality and efficiency in stickpack packaging.”

The new production suite is part of  Ropack’s 210,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing, packaging, warehouse and distribution space. In addition to stickpacks, Ropack is equipped to perform standard and cold-form blistering, encapsulation, bottling, sachet filling, syringe assembly, clinical trials and blending.

The launch of the facility occurs during Ropack’s 35^th anniversary.

Ropack is a contract manufacturing and packaging solution provider for the pharmaceutical and consumer health-care industries, offering turnkey primary and secondary pharmaceutical packaging services of solid oral dossage.  Ropack operates ambient and refrigerated warehousing space, providing temperature-monitored distribution services to wholesales, representatives, physicians and clinical study sites in Canada and the U.S. Facilities are cGMP compliant, Health Canada certified and hold an FDA site license.

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Contact:
Paul Dupont, Director of Business Development
Ropack Inc.
(513) 846-0921
Email: Paul Dupont

FACT SHEET
In the dedicated production suite Ropack is able to:

• Handle initial R&D
• Manage stability programs
• Manufacture commercial production
• Create sales and marketing samples
• Perform scale-up

Benefits of stickpack:

• High degree of fill accuracy
• Fill weight range: 0.2g to 4g – subject to actual product properties, density and flow characteristics (results dependent on actual fill trials)
• Content preservation, with a shelf life up to 24 months
• Product differentiation
• Ideal sample option
• Eco-responsible, due to reduction in paper and foil usage
• High-quality film available, from 7 micron to 12 micron foil barrier, provides zero MVTR and OTR
• Marketing surface on individual stickpacks ideal for messaging and instructions

Excerpt

While originally regarded strictly as a specialty market, probiotic supplements are now mainstream. According to LexisNexis, 231 probiotic products were launched in 2008, compared with 34 just three years prior; 75 percent of women report being interested in a digestive system ‘makeover’. Distinguished medical journals confirm the industry’s credibility by publishing an increasing number of clinical trials with the popularity of probiotics being measured by the $43 million drugstore sales in 2008. Notably, probiotics are characterized as “the vital healthcare concept of the 21st century,” in Probiotics – A Global Update of Market Trends & Opportunities.

Reputation and R&D are key to the competitive advantage. The elements that bring success to leading nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies – global reputations, sophisticated research and development, and savvy marketing – position them to excel in the consumer healthcare industry and awareness of probiotics has grown exponentially in the past decade. Some estimates indicate, for example, that nearly half of Americans know of probiotics. Yet a significantly smaller percentage understands their benefits. This disparity between awareness and understanding gives the top nutraceutical and pharmaceutical companies an advantage – consumers associate perceived benefits with the companies whose name they recognize and reputation they trust.

Excerpt

Probiotics, products that contain scientifically documented live microorganisms, are increasingly being used by consumers around the world. Market growth could potentially be significant, offering sizable opportunities to scientific-minded companies aware of the complexities of probiotics. To sustain and solidify consumer interest, probiotic manufacturers will need to deliver effective products based on science and produced through responsible manufacturing and packaging operations.

The Natural Marketing Institute (NMI) reports that interest in probiotics is currently surpassing niche markets and entering the mainstream. Nearly 50% of consumers are aware of probiotics, finds NMI, and these consumers believe they offer a number of health system benefits. And clinical research has continued to grow steadily for more than a decade, with several studies demonstrating probiotic effectiveness. Probiotics are currently being marketed to help consumers maintain specific health structures or functions in digestion and immunity.

Excerpt

We are delighted to have Mrs. Marcelle Desroches join Ropack, effective August 9, 2010. Marcelle brings a wide spectrum of expertise and experience that will help lead and support our Quality group.

As Principale Quality Director, Marcelle will be responsible for overall quality leadership and implementation at all three Ropack facilities in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Mrs. Desroches has
demonstrated superior qualification as a key Quality expert in the pharmaceutical field for over 27 years.

Excerpt

Stick packaging has been a popular format in Europe and Asia, and now interest is growing among consumers in North America. This flexible packaging format offers unit-of-use portability and convenience.

In fact, in one of The Freedonia Group’s latest U.S. market studies, “Tube & Stick Packaging to 2014—Market Research, Market Share, Market Size, Sales, Demand Forecast, Market Leaders, Company Profiles, Industry Trends,” stick packaging is expected to show the strongest growth. Demand in the United States for both tube and stick packaging will rise 5.1% annually through 2014, Freedonia reports. Stick packaging advantages include “product differentiation, portability, and material savings compared to conventional single-portion pouches.”

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