News

Sepha, the Irish supplier of blisterpacking and deblistering equipment for contract packers and pharmaceutical manufacturers, has doubled its output capability with a move to new premises as it responds to increased demand for its products.

First Minister of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Peter Robinson MP opened the premises at Carrowreagh Business Park in Dundonald, Belfast where the machines are assembled.

The firm said its order book is full until next year, having signed contracts with many pharmaceutical companies, including UCB and Boots, which use Sepha machines to remove tablets and capsules from blister packs as well as manufacturing and testing of finished product.

Opening the new premises, Robinson said the firm was a "good example of how local businesses can buffer themselves against economic turbulence".

To coincide with the expansion Sepha has also updated its corporate identity. The new red motif aims to give the firm 'stand-out' appeal at forthcoming trade shows in India and the USA. In addition the website has been overhauled.

Chief executive Aubrey Sayers said: "With the move to a larger production facility, hiring of additional staff and our re-branding, Sepha is in an excellent position to take full advantage of current market opportunities."

The firm has increased staffing levels from 20 to 25 in the past 12 months and has appointed additional sales managers and design engineering staff.

A spokeswoman added: "We have increased our capability by bringing tooling in-house, which has given us more control and flexibility and enabled us to provide customers with a faster turnaround."