CRAIGAVON, Northern Ireland, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Clinical Services provider Almac has announced an investment in two ZED automated inline wallet presses. Operating in Craigavon and Pennsylvania, the fully automated machines will drastically reduce timelines associated with the use of blister card packaging, when compared with current rotary press methods.

The automation on the machine allows for accurate placement of blister strips into the wallet cards. The location and orientation of the blisters is then verified by a vision system prior to sealing the card. This helps to keep rejects to a minimum and maximises yield on product. This is the latest development in an ongoing campaign by Almac to continually invest in automation as a boost in efficiency and capacity to core primary packaging services.

Commenting on the new machines, Almac's Global VP of Business Development Martin Lamb said "The machines are a welcomed addition to Almac's growing portfolio of automated primary packaging services as they demonstrate the company's continued commitment to innovation and driving improvements across the clinical supply chain. These lines are ideal for larger Phase III trials that can require higher volumes of wallet cards. Also product pooling and using supplies across multiple protocols can drive card quantities past the traditional smaller volumes required for clinical supply. This allows us to provide the client with the right option for their study."

The investment comes at a time when Almac is gearing up for the official opening of their New North American Headquarters facility. The $120 million project, which began in Summer 2008 is now operational with the official opening of the 240,000 square foot premises planned for May 2011.

With over 20 years experience in clinical supply management (http://www.almacgroup.com/clinicalservices/clinical-supply-management.aspx) Almac is recognised as a strategic partner in the clinical supply process by pharma and biotech companies across the world. These recent investments are a sign of their dedication to offer market driven solutions to their customers.

Notes to Editors