Swords, Ireland – [August 26, 2024] – SK pharmteco’s Swords facility celebrated its 60th anniversary on August 8th, marking six decades of pharmaceutical manufacturing excellence. Since its establishment in 1964, the facility has grown into a global leader in the development and production of critical active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
“It is an honor to commemorate 60 years of our Swords facility,” said Joyce Fitzharris, President of SK pharmteco Small Molecule, Europe, and leader of the Swords facility. “This milestone is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our employees, who have consistently driven innovation and quality. We are committed to transforming lives through the development of life-impacting therapies, and this anniversary reflects our journey thus far.”
Originally founded as the Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation, the Swords site has undergone significant expansion and modernization. What began as a small operation with approximately 50 employees has evolved into a thriving facility employing over 400 dedicated professionals. The site has been instrumental in establishing Ireland’s reputation as a global leader in the pharmaceutical industry.
“Ireland has a thriving pharmaceutical sector, and we are proud to be a part of this dynamic landscape,” added Fitzharris. “Our Swords facility is a model of excellence within our global network, representing both our rich legacy and our forward-looking vision.”
In 2018, SK biotek, an SK pharmteco company, acquired the Swords facility, becoming the first Korean company to enter Ireland. Since then, the site has expanded its services and innovations, enhancing SK pharmteco’s ability to serve a diverse client base and strengthening its position in the competitive Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) market.
SK pharmteco’s continued investment in the Swords site is evident in recent expansions, including the expansion of the P3 Manufacturing Plant, the introduction of micronization and ADC capabilities, alongside the ongoing construction of a new P2 manufacturing plant. These advancements demonstrate the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical industry and providing patients with access to life-saving treatments.
“This Diamond Jubilee is not just a celebration of our achievements but a commitment to the future of excellence and innovation,” said Joerg Ahlgrimm, CEO of SK pharmteco. “I extend my deepest gratitude to every member of our team, past and present, whose dedication has made this milestone possible.”
A key highlight of the facility’s journey is its transformation into a fully recipe-controlled plant with minimal manual intervention. The implementation of digital dashboards and paperless operations has enabled real-time batch monitoring, efficient decision-making, and data-driven process improvements. The facility is also committed to sustainability, sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources and diverting all non-hazardous waste from landfills.
“We are excited about the future and the opportunities it holds,” said Ahlgrimm. “We are advancing with plans to expand recipe-controlled manufacturing and integrate machine learning, digital twins, and generative AI to further enhance our capabilities.”
The 60th-anniversary celebration was attended by esteemed guests, including the Mayor of Fingal, Councilor Brian McDonagh, and His Excellency Mr. Yong-Kil Kim, Korean Ambassador to Ireland.
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About SK pharmteco
SK pharmteco is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with 18 production sites, research & development facilities, and analytical laboratories across the U.S., Europe, and Korea. The company partners with biopharmaceutical companies of all sizes to manufacture Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) and intermediates, cell and gene therapy technologies, registered starting materials, and analytical services for the biopharmaceutical industry worldwide. SK pharmteco is a subsidiary of SK Inc. (KRX: 034730) (SK), the strategic investment company for SK Group, South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate.
Contact:
Keith Bowermaster, APR, CCMP
Communications Consultant
keith.bowermaster@skpt.com
Website: www.skpharmteco.com
