German firm Gerresheimer is a manufacturer of high-quality specialty products made of glass and plastic for the global pharma and healthcare industry. The company's product spectrum ranges from pharmaceutical vials to complex drug delivery systems, such as syringe systems, insulin pens and inhalers, for safe dosage and application. It has a presence in 47 locations across Europe, North and South America and Asia.

In April this year, it acquired majority stakes in Neutral Glass, the Mumbai-based manufacturer of pharmaceutical primary packaging of glass. It has a modern molded glass plant in Kosamba, Gujarat in India. Neutral Glass produces pharmaceutical primary packaging products such as glass vials for liquid medications and infusions, as well as injection bottles. 

Gerresheimer is on a spree to further expand across the BRIC nations with five plants in South America and seven in China. This is apart from the representative offices in Moscow and Mumbai. With the aim to double the revenues from $123.5 million (€100 mn) in 2010 to approximately $247 million (€200 million) in 2013, acquisition of Neutral Glass and another Brazilian company (done in 2011) will play a crucial role in helping Gerresheimer reach the goal.

In an interview with BioSpectrum, Mr Bruno Buerkel, head, molded glass division, Gerresheimer, talks about company's recent acquisition and how the company plans to move ahead in the Asia Pacific region.

Tell us about the agreement with Neutral Glass.
We have reached an agreement with Neutral Glass's former owners to acquire a majority shareholding in the company. The former owner family has retained a 30 percent stake and we have acquired 70 percent stake in the company. This is a strategically significant acquisition for us.