Powder containment and aseptic transfer valve specialist ChargePoint Technology has invested in new manufacturing machinery at its UK facility to meet increased demand for larger diameter valves for use in large scale drug manufacturing that requires containment.

According to the company, the new 5-axis machine is the first of its kind in the UK and forms part of a wider £1 million investment into advanced manufacturing capabilities at the company’s facility in Liverpool. It will enable ChargePoint Technology to speed up the production and delivery of larger diameter valves up to 350mm (14”).

The investment has been made in response to growing containment demands that are being driven by growth within therapeutic areas, including oncology and hormonal drug products. This is leading to increased volumes of high potency active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs) being used in the production of tablets, capsules and other solid dosage forms.

“We are seeing an increase in demand from solid dose manufacturing companies, including big pharma firms and CMOs in the U.S. and Europe, for large scale containment valve solutions,” said Tony O’Sullivan, chief commercial officer, ChargePoint Technology. “Our new machinery enables us to manufacture larger diameter valves, directly addressing this market need. In addition, our in-house manufacturing strategy provides us with absolute control over the quality of the final product so our customers can rest assured that they receive high-performing and reliable technology.

“Growth in the high-volume manufacture of generics, particularly in Asia, is also driving demand for larger containment valves, as there is a need to upgrade existing process equipment to safely replicate the production of higher potency off patent drugs, while ensuring drug quality and operator safety. We expect this segment to grow in the future as the pharmaceutical landscape evolves.”

As part of the investment, a new automated washing plant will be used to ensure effective and repeat cleaning of parts with higher throughput capacity, while a new 3-axis coordinate measuring machine (CMM) will also allow for high precision measurement and scanning of critical valve components in-house.

ChargePoint says it plans to invest further in manufacturing capabilities at its facility over the next three years.