Pharmaceuticals represents one of the largest manufacturing facilities worldwide, producing medicines in solid, liquid and powdered forms. During 2019, just over 30 billion dollars was spent on drug prescriptions and medicines in Canada alone. But to sustain this high level of product quality and quantity, facilities need pharmaceutical equipment that will help maintain fluent and reliable operations. In today’s post, Ability Fabricators discusses how pharmaceutical companies can identify the best equipment suppliers in Canada by following three tips.
Tip #1: Focus on Customer and Client Feedback
Canada has many pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and companies operating across the nation. When browsing for a manufacturer, take note of what previous clients and customers have said about their fabricated goods. Whether browsing online reviews, attending conferences, or following word-of-mouth recommendations, there are numerous ways to discover what the pharmaceutical industry has to say about which manufacturers are trusted by the best. Your research should not just include not just the item itself, but the buying process as a whole. Given that buying equipment is a true investment for any laboratory or facility, getting your purchases done right the first time is an absolute priority. When examining feedback and reviews from other customers, you should consider aspects such as:
- How easy it was for them to contact the manufacturer?
- Did the supplier offer additional services (e.g. custom fabrication capabilities)?
- How long did it take the customer to receive their pharmaceutical equipment?
- Did the item meet their needs or specifications?
- Were there any problems after installing or using the item?
Tip #2: Make Sure the Manufacturer Meets Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Standards
Because all of us depend on pharmaceutical goods and products for our health, it is vital that these items are processed in a safe environment free from contamination or biohazards.
When purchasing any pharmaceutical equipment from a manufacturer, try to identify if they meet any national and international standards. More often than not, stainless steel equipment manufactured abroad has not been made to meet Canadian standards, which are typically among the highest in the world.
As many owners and managers are aware, it is essential to maintain a manufacturing facility that is safe for both on-site staff and consumers. According to Canada’s own GMP standards, equipment used to develop and fabricate drugs must (see section C.02.005):
- Make sure the design, construction and location of your equipment allows cleaning, sanitizing and inspection of the equipment.
- Ensure equipment parts that may come in contact with raw materials, intermediates or drugs are cleanable.
- Ensure tanks used in processing liquids and ointments are equipped with fittings that can be dismantled and cleaned. Ensure validated clean-in-place (CIP) equipment can be dismantled for periodic verification.
- Ensure filter assemblies are designed for easy dismantling.
- Locate equipment far enough away from other equipment and walls to allow cleaning of the equipment and adjacent area.
- Keep equipment clean, dry, and protected from contamination when stored.
Failure to comply with any of these standards may result in your pharmaceutical company facing warnings, penalties or even closure. For this reason, find a manufacturer who clearly states their compliance with any GMP requirements prior to purchasing.
Tip #3: Choose Local Manufacturers Where Possible
Finding pharmaceutical equipment can be more difficult that it first seems. With thousands of different options available on the market, many purchasers soon find the buying process daunting.
One simple yet straightforward tip is to purchase your equipment from a stainless steel fabricator that is local to your manufacturing facility. Although you might be tempted to browse options from overseas, buying pharmaceutical equipment within Canada is more likely to be a better choice in the long term. You might also be able to take advantage of perks such as faster delivery times and no unexpected customs fees.
Not only does purchasing locally help support Canadian manufacturers, but you are also able to foster a better relationship with your supplier. This includes multiple benefits, such as easy communication before and after purchasing your equipment.
Purchase Premium-Quality Pharmaceutical Equipment from Ability Fabricators
Are you looking for pharmaceutical equipment for your Canadian facility? At Ability Fabricators, we manufacture a whole suite of premium-quality products. With everything from stainless steel cabinets to our range of blenders, tanks, you can count on Ability Fabricators to fabricate stainless equipment that deliver the best performance possible. Browse our product range online or contact us today to receive your free quote – we look forward to hearing from you!
