Laetus updates inspection systems for Astellas

Laetus has implemented a customer-specific track-and-trace solution for Astellas Pharma. New laws, particularly the French CIP and the Turkish IST, were the occasion for the overhaul of the packaging security systems at the Meppel plant in Holland. The marking and control system from Laetus was integrated into existing cartoners on multiple production lines. This modular, extensible machine was developed specifically for pharmaceutical production and ensures compliance with existing and known future marking requirements.

Astellas has been a Laetus client for years; the two companies have worked together since the 90's. "When upgrading the new production lines, we decided on Laetus again because we have had very good experiences with their technical service. We also looked at the competition, but we just didn't find them as attractive in terms of quality or products," reports Harrie Hens, Senior Project Engineer at Astellas Pharma Europe.

The production lines at Astellas use Uhlmann cartoners equipped with Sator/Domino lasers. The integration of PrintSpect retained these lasers; they are now controlled using a direct interface. Another production line, this one without lasers, was completely converted to Laetus technology. Here, a PrintSpect @MV-100 was integrated with a Domino 550 printer and laser, and now ensures the perfect control of folding boxes during the marking and verification process. The installation and commissioning of the modified cartoners was finished in only three days. This brief installation period was mandatory, since Astellas runs production around the clock in a three-shift operation.

Astellas Pharma Inc. is one of the heavy hitters in the pharmaceutical industry. The group employs 15,000 people, 3,500 of them in Europe. Its core business includes medications for dermatology, urology, transplantation, anti-infectives and pain therapy.

Source: Laetus
www.laetus.com