Montreal, Canada – May xx, 2012 – Ropack, provider of solid dose contract packaging services to the pharmaceutical and consumer health-care industries, announces an expansion of its production campus. The new site, strategically located directly next to its main pharmaceutical manufacturing plant, increases Ropack’s total operating space to nearly 250,000 square feet.

The fully licensed site will complement Ropack’s broad contract manufacturing and packaging services by providing an additional 36,000 square feet of validated ambient and cold storage warehousing space as well Ropack is adding 5 new Class 100000 clean room to the existing 31 validated Class 100000 clean room to accommodate the growing pharmaceutical packaging needs of our customers. The site will be fully operational June 1, 2012. Space is available to add an additional 6 rooms Class 100000 at a later date.

“This facility reflects Ropack’s unconditional commitment to providing the capacity and technology that allows our clients to succeed,” says Yves Massicotte, President and CEO. “Pharmas are feeling pressure to bring new products to market, so as they focus more intently on core competencies, they are turning in greater numbers to contract packagers like Ropack. This expansion allows us to accommodate their increased requirements flexibly, agilely and competitively.”

The expansion is just one component of Ropack’s growth. In 2011, Ropack launched a 15,000-square-foot dedicated facility with low RH and controlled temperature for the production of stick-packs.

NEWS RELEASE Contact: Paul Dupont
Director of Development, North America
Ropack, Inc.
(513) 846-0921
paul.dupont@ropack.com
www.ropack.com

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Excerpt

The expanding global pharmaceutical industry projects a 4%-6% annual growth and forecasts that it will reach a value of $1 trillion by 2014. 1 The figures are impressive, yet they place significant pressure on pharmas to bring to market innovative drugs and novel drug delivery systems in order to be part of the growth.  Faced with that pressure, many pharmas are streamlining their supply chain to focus on their core competencies and bring products to market faster. As a result, many pharmas are outsourcing non-central components, and more than half of them have budgeted to increase outsourcing in 2012. 2

The pharmaceutical packaging industry, as a provider of contract services, is not surprisingly experiencing a corresponding market growth.  As with the pharma industry, packagers are challenged to grow through innovation, by providing formats which satisfy pharma’s expectation of enhanced drug integrity, safety and stability while delivering the convenience demanded by today’s consumer.

2012 BIO International Convention, June 18-21
Boston, MA
Boston Convention and Exhibit Center

Innovation is the pulse of the BIO International Convention, a global gathering of more than 15,000 leaders from 65 countries.  Visit the Ropack exhibit, Booth #0935 as we showcase our technologies and services that bring our customers’ industry-changing ideas to market.

2012 AAPS Annual Meeting and Exposition, October 14-18, 2012
Chicago, IL
McCormick Place
Booth # 3630

Attracting professionals involved in all stages of drug development, the AAPS show is a “must” attend event. Visit Ropack at the show to learn of our innovative technologies and services for your contract manufacturing and packaging needs.

June 11-12, 2012
NJ Expo Centre, New Jersey

Join Paul Dupont, Ropack’s Director of Business Development North America, as he leads an interactive workshop on solutions for maintaining an uninterrupted finished goods supply during product transfers and plant closures. 11:45-12:25, June 11 (Day One).
http://www.gpmsummit.com/programme.asp

OVERCOMING OPERATIONAL AND LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES OF MAINTAINING AN UNINTERRUPTED FINISHED GOODS SUPPLY DURING PRODUCT TRANSFERS AND PLANT CLOSURES

Led by Ropack

• Offering key practices to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain in a changing environment

• Controlling transition periods: Planning, data collection, and implementation policies that reduce risk and prevent scope creep

• Working with partner organizations: Real-world examples of communication and clear areas of responsibility producing positive outcomes on time and on budget

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.

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 stick-pack 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 stick-pack 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.

Stick-packs 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 stick-packs in the North American market. Stick-packs 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 stick-pack packaging.

The new production suite is part of Ropack’s 210,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing, packaging, warehouse and distribution space. In addition to stick-packs, 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 dosage.  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.

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 stick-pack:

• 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 stick-packs 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 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

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 Groups 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.