Sharp Acquires Daiichi Sankyo Pharmaceutical Packaging Facility in Bethlehem PA

Sharp Packaging Services (“Sharp”), a division of UDG Healthcare, plc, a global leader in contract packaging and clinical supply services, today announced that it has acquired a pharmaceutical packaging facility in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania from Daiichi Sankyo Inc. for a total consideration of USD $14 million.  The 146,000 sq ft pharmaceutical grade packaging facility will offer additional packaging capacity under the experienced management team and serialization leadership of Sharp’s nearby Allentown campus.

This acquisition is consistent with Sharp’s strategy of continued growth and capacity expansion to support new and existing clients.  The company can now offer additional serialization options to valued customers in bottling, blistering and C-II packaging, as well as extended redundancy and risk mitigation.

The Bethlehem facility extends to over 16 acres with further development potential to expand to 235,000 sq ft over time.   The facility is FDA inspected and DEA approved and includes two high speed bottle lines, two blister lines, cold and frozen storage, office space and a 2,500 sq ft analytical laboratory.  As part of the transaction, Daiichi Sankyo Inc. will also become a commercial client, with Sharp providing packaging, clinical and analytical services for several of their US branded products.  In addition, Sharp will continue to offer employment to Daiichi Sankyo Inc.’s employees at the Bethlehem site.
Commenting on the acquisition, Doug Hill, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Sharp US Packaging said, “We are delighted to be able to add further capacity and expertise to our commercial and clinical businesses in the US market in response to growing demand for our services across all packaging formats, particularly as our industry moves towards the DSCSA serialization deadline in November 2017”.

“Given Sharp Packaging Services’ excellent track record and expertise in delivering commercial and clinical packaging solutions, we are delighted for both our customers and employees that Sharp have secured the long-term future of the Bethlehem packaging facility”, said Ken Keller, President, Administrative and Commercial, Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.