Revamping Catalent’s washing area with two Steelco GMP washers

The objective: replace existing equipment and increase capacity

The project focused on two main goals:

• replacing the existing washing machines
• increasing washing capacity through a more automated process

Cleaning critical manufacturing components

The new washers are used to clean a wide range of product-contact parts and production equipment used in the manufacturing of Catalent’s sterile medicines.

These include components used during syringe filling, stoppering operations and smaller components used during formulation activities.

A project under time pressure

One of the most challenging moments occurred during the installation phase. The team had only a very limited window to move the machines into the new area before construction work on the room could begin.

“We only had three to four days to move the machines before the walls had to be rebuilt,” explains Sébastien Molle, Project Engineer at Catalent.

“This created some pressure at that moment, but eyetec managed it very well.”

Why Steelco was selected

As part of Catalent’s procurement process, several equipment suppliers were evaluated.

According to Sébastien, Steelco’s technology proved to be the best fit for the site’s requirements.

“We always compare several suppliers. In this case, what we needed matched best with the Steelco machines.”

eyetec as technical intermediary

During the project, eyetec acted as the technical intermediary between Catalent and the machine manufacturer.

This proved particularly valuable for communication and coordination.

“Communication was very clear throughout the project,” Sébastien explains.

“We did not have a lot of direct contact with Steelco. It was easier to communicate with eyetec. They were very available and we could get answers quickly.”

Freek Schuermans, Project & After Sales Engineer Pharma Equipment at eyetec, adds:

“Because the installation had to be completed in only two days, good communication during the planning phase was essential. Careful preparation ensured the installation could run smoothly.”

A phased installation approach

The revamping of the washing area forms part of a larger site project that will be carried out over several shutdown periods.

One washer had already been purchased several years earlier and was relocated to the new area as part of the project. The two washers were then installed to complete the upgraded setup.

Production will resume shortly. The new machines will be brought fully into operation during a future winter shutdown, once the surrounding construction works are completed.

Building on previous collaboration

Although this was Sébastien’s first time working with eyetec personally, the Catalent team had already collaborated with the company in earlier projects.

“For me it was the first time working with eyetec, but some of my colleagues had already worked with them before.”