Sterigenics Announces Another EO Facility Expansion in Europe
To Add Significant Capacity In Belgium
LEUVEN, BELGIUM, May 11, 2006: In response to dramatically escalating forecasts from medical device 'kit" manufacturers and importers of product from low-cost Far Eastern suppliers, Sterigenics International, the world's global leader in sterilization services for the medical device industry, has broken ground for the company's third expansion project in Europe in 2006.
The latest addition-at the Sterigenics ethylene oxide (EO) facility in Petit Rechain, Belgium-follows significant capacity increases at the company's EO facilities in Anse, France, completed in May 2006, and in Somercotes, UK, where equipment is currently being installed for a Quarter 4 start-up. Construction of a state-of-the-art EO facility was completed in Wiesbaden, Germany, in July 2005.
All four facilities feature the industry's most advanced 32 euro-pallet EO sterilizers. With 2.4 meter height, the super-size units are designed to coordinate with truck capacity, thereby maximizing production lot sizes and reducing cost. High-performance pallet-handling capabilities further optimize process time and control.
The Belgian expansion includes space for four of the technology-forward sterilizers. The first two will be fully operational and capable of running enhanced EO cycles with parametric release in late 2006 or early 2007.
"We are extremely enthusiastic about this aggressive expansion and technology enrichment program," stated Dirk Beelen, Vice President Sales & Marketing EMEAA (Europe/Midldle East/Africa/Asia). "It means Sterigenics is not only positioned to meet increasing demand from our customers in northern Europe, but also to provide back-up capacity for customers using our sites elsewhere in Europe."
"We expect this rapid expansion in capacity will provide headroom for surges in demand from our customers and provide enhanced logistics flexibility, Mr. Beelen pointed out. However, he revealed, plans are already being formulated further expansion with a new facility in Eastern Europe.
In addition to its European initiative, Sterigenics has also been active on the Asian front. In February 2006, the company marked the opening of Asia's most technologically sophisticated EO facility. Located in the PuDong area of Shanghai, the facility is the only local provider certified to validate the sterilization process for products manufactured in China. This breakthrough gives device manufacturers "the more financially desirable option of sterilization to the highest quality standards at the source of supply, rather than in the final markets," Mr. Beelen pointed out.
About Sterigenics International Sterigenics International, Inc., headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, and Leuven, Belgium, is the world's leading provider of contract sterilization and ionization services for the medical device, food safety and high performance/specialty materials industries. The company has over 1,000 employees and operates 40 service centers in North America, Europe and Asia.
Company Information:
Name: Sterigenics International, Inc.
Address: 2015 Spring Road, Suite 650
City: Oak Brook
State: IL
ZIP: 60523
Country: USA
Phone: 630-928-1700
FAX: 630-928-1701
http://www.sterigenics.com
