Semcon receives major order from Novo Nordisk Engineering
Semcon receives major order from Novo Nordisk Engineering Semcon Life Science will design a process stage in a new factory that Novo Nordisk A/S is having built in Denmark. The order, which is very important for Semcon, covers the design of hardware and software. The project will run for around 18 months and will be carried out by over 20 consultants from Semcon Life Science in Göteborg who have already begun working on the project for Novo Nordisk Engineering A/S, an independent subsidiary of Novo Nordisk A/S. The order includes an extension option, and the exact value can not yet specified. "This is a breakthrough into the pharmaceutical sector for us with a completely new concept. It's very significant for Semcon because Life Science has many potential customers around the world," says Hans Johansson, Semcon's CEO. The design of the new Factor VII factory in Hilleröd, Denmark, will be completed by the spring of 2002. Installation and testing will take place in the following summer and autumn. Novo Nordisk will use the factory to manufacture NovoSeven®, which is used to treat haemophiliacs who cannot use traditional treatments to stop bleeding. Tests are also being carried out which will prepare NovoSeven® for approval in other applications connected with stopping bleeding. Semcon is in charge of design, documentation, qualifications, validation, testing and set-up. Part of the process is automated and Semcon has developed this part to meet the latest requirements from the US Food and Drug Administration. One of the demands set by Novo Nordisk Engineering was experience of Novo Nordisk's validation and quality model coupled with extensive knowledge of manufacturing pharmaceutical products and project management. Key staff at Semcon Life Science have around 15 years' experience of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors and have previously performed major assignments for European pharmaceutical businesses, including Novo Nordisk. "This is the result of a deliberate focus on the pharmaceutical sector. Success here is down to having the right competence and experience. We also have a reliable reputation when it come to tackling international assignments," says Sture Smith, head of Semcon Life Science. For further information, please contact Bengt Nilsson, CFO Semcon AB, mobile +46 705-91 43 34 Sture Smith, head of Semcon Life Science, mobile +46 736-84 09 13 ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2001/11/21/20011121BIT00180/bit0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2001/11/21/20011121BIT00180/bit0001.pdf