Top 10 Pharmaceutical Equipment Manufacturers in 2024

Introduction

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the most demanding industries where accuracy and dependability are critical. The development of different forms of pills, vaccines, and other essential drugs requires the use of advanced equipment to guarantee the safety of the drugs and their effectiveness. Hence, the selection of the right pharmaceutical equipment manufacturer is very important in order to ensure that the company is able to meet the high standards of quality and regulatory requirements as well as to ensure that the operations of the company are efficient. When we fast forward to 2024, several of the top pharma machinery manufacturers are already setting new standards with their technologies and manufacturing solutions. In this article, we will look at the most important pharmaceutical equipment manufacturers that are currently shaping the industry. All these companies have established themselves as reliable partners in the constantly developing world of pharmaceuticals through offering high-quality equipment and outstanding customer service.

Key Factors in Choosing Equipment Manufacturers

Choosing the right pharmaceutical equipment manufacturer is not simply a matter of choosing a company from a list; it is a matter of identifying the key competencies that define a manufacturer. These are the range of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment they have, their specialization in pharmaceutical machines and equipment used in the pharma industry and their capability in offering technical support and training. Another factor is their adherence to regulatory standards like cGMP and FDA that guarantees that the pharmaceutical processing equipment is safe and efficient.

The last but not the least is the manufacturer’s innovation capabilities. This is especially the case in industries that are constantly growing and changing such as the pharmaceutical industry where companies that dedicate their resources towards the development of sophisticated pharma manufacturing machines tend to be noticed. Also, the location of the pharma equipment manufacturer, whether in North America, Western Europe or Eastern Europe, may also influence the decision making particularly for firms that require a local partner and or joint venture. When choosing from this list of the best pharmaceutical equipment manufacturers, consider these factors to make the right decision.

Top 10 Pharmaceutical Equipment Manufacturers

GEA

Recommendation: ☆☆☆☆

Key Products: Tablet presses, Capsule fillers, Dry granulation systems, Coating machines

Main Markets: North America, Western Europe, Asia

GEA Group is a multinational company that deals with manufacturing of pharmaceutical equipment including tablet presses, capsule fillers, and dry granulation systems among others. They have developed a good reputation through offering reliable and efficient equipment that guarantees production of different types of pills. The company majorly operates on the concept of innovation and provides pharma process equipment that complies with quality and regulatory requirements such as FDA and cGMP. They offer solutions for mixing, blending, drying, and coating across the laboratory scale and industrial scale.

Besides quality products, GEA offers other services such as equipment management, process enhancement, and staff training. This makes them a preferred partner in the pharmaceutical industry due to the comprehensive approach that they take. As GEA has a significant market share in North America, Western Europe, and Asia, it can guarantee fast delivery and local service, which increases their credibility as a pharma machinery supplier. This is because they have embraced quality and innovation in their production making them unique from other pharmaceutical equipment companies.

SED Pharma

Recommendation: ☆☆☆☆☆

Key Products: Capsule filling machines, Tablet press machines, Tablet counting machines, Freeze dryers

Main Markets: Western Europe, Asia, North America

SED Pharma is one of the most prominent pharmaceutical equipment manufacturers and suppliers that offer equipment for solid dosage forms, liquid filling, and aseptic handling. Their equipment is used in small laboratories and large scale pharmaceutical industries and the equipment is accurate, reliable and meets the international standards of ISO 9001 and CE. This focus on accuracy and dependability has made SED Pharma a reliable supplier for firms that want to achieve high production standards in the pharmaceutical sector.

Apart from the high-end products, SED Pharma provides a full range of services, such as equipment modification, integration, and a wide range of post-sale services. Their solutions are meant to provide the best performance and compatibility with the processes of pharmaceutical production. SED Pharma plans to establish offices in Western Europe and North America, positioning itself as a reliable partner for pharmaceutical companies seeking innovative and high-quality equipment and services.

SYNTEGON Technology

Recommendation: ☆☆☆☆☆

Key Products: Capsule filling machines, Tablet presses, Packaging machines

Main Markets: North America, Europe, Asia

Previously called Bosch Packaging Technology, SYNTEGON Technology is a pharmaceutical equipment company that offers a wide range of products such as capsule filling machines, tablet presses, and sophisticated packaging equipment. Their equipment is highly automated and digitalized to help the pharmaceutical companies increase their productivity while at the same time cutting costs. Some of the features that make SYNTEGON different from other manufacturers in the industry include automated visual inspection systems.

In addition, SYNTEGON provides a wide range of services such as equipment integration, automation, and training services. These services assist their clients to upgrade from traditional and less efficient methods of production to better methods that improve on compliance and output quality. SYNTEGON has a strong international network in North America, Europe, and Asia, which will enable it to offer extensive assistance to pharmaceutical producers around the world and strengthen its position as a leading supplier of pharmaceutical equipment.

IMA Group

Recommendation: ☆☆☆☆

Key Products: Tablet presses, Capsule filling machines, Coating equipment

Main Markets: Europe, Asia, North America

IMA Group is a multi-faceted company in the pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment industry, which offers a wide range of pharmaceutical machines such as tablet press, capsule filling machine, and coating equipment. They have a good track record in the implementation of new technologies into production processes, improving production flow, regulatory adherence, and output. IMA’s equipment is also long lasting and efficient in handling different types of pills production.

Besides the wide range of products, IMA Group offers a wide range of services including equipment integration, maintenance, and technical support. These services guarantee the smooth running of their clients’ operations and extended equipment lifespan. Having a strong foothold in strategic regions such as Europe, Asia, and North America, IMA Group remains as a trusted partner of pharmaceutical companies in need of innovative and reliable equipment.

Glatt

Recommendation: ☆☆☆☆

Key Products: Fluid bed processors, Granulators, Coaters

Main Markets: Europe, North America, Asia

The Glatt Group is a well-established company in the field of pharmaceutical processing equipment, especially in fluid bed processing and dry granulation. Glatt has a clear focus on research and development to offer new solutions to meet the requirements of pharma equipment manufacturers. Their equipment is known to be efficient, reliable and meets FDA and cGMP requirements hence making them popular for high quality pharmaceutical production.

Glatt’s services are not limited to equipment; they provide their clients with a wide range of services in process optimization and technical consultation to ensure that their clients operate at their best and in accordance with the law. The company has a strong base in Europe, North America, and Asia, which means that they can quickly and effectively respond to their clients’ needs, thus strengthening their position as a reliable pharmaceutical machine manufacturer on the global market.

Fette Compacting

Recommendation: ☆☆☆☆

Key Products: Tablet presses, Capsule filling machines

Main Markets: North America, Europe, Asia

Fette Compacting is a company that deals in manufacturing of tablet press machines and other related equipment for the production of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Their machines are capable of handling all types of pills with high precision and speed making them ideal for manufacturers who want to improve on their production line. Fette Compacting has been able to sustain its position among the leading pharmaceutical equipment manufacturers due to its focus on quality and innovation.

Besides having high-quality products, Fette Compacting also provides extensive customization services, training, and strong after-sales services to guarantee that clients get the precise solutions they require for their production processes. As a company with a strong base in North America, Europe and Asia, Fette Compacting is well positioned to support pharmaceutical companies around the globe, improving their productivity and conformance.

Sartorius AG

Recommendation: ☆☆☆☆

Key Products: Bioreactors, Filtration systems, Laboratory equipment

Main Markets: North America, Europe, Asia

Sartorius AG is a leading provider of biopharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and services with focus on innovative technologies for the production of biologics and other highly potent pharmaceuticals. Their bioreactors and filtration systems are used to improve process intensity and control in the production of pharmaceuticals. Sartorius is especially recognized for its contribution in biotech and aseptic processing, which offers new products that meet the growing demands of the industry.

Apart from the quality products, Sartorius provides services such as bioprocess solutions, equipment calibration, and technical support. They are well endowed in bioprocessing and are always keen on improving their services hence making them the best bet for modern pharma producers. Being a North American, European and Asian company, Sartorius AG is ready to meet the global demand for high-quality biopharmaceutical equipment and services.

Paul Mueller Company

Recommendation: ☆☆☆☆

Key Products: Mixers, Blenders, Storage vessels

Main Markets: North America, Europe, Asia

The Paul Mueller Company specializes in stainless steel processing equipment for the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. Some of their products are mixers, blenders, dryers, and storage vessels that are built to last and perform optimally. Mueller’s focus on customization enables them to provide solutions that are unique to the needs of different pharmaceutical producers, making them the best source of durable equipment.

Besides quality equipment, Paul Mueller provides services such as equipment modification, installation, and maintenance to their clients. They have a good market hold in North America, Europe, and Asia, which enables them to deliver quality services and make them a reputable pharma equipment manufacturer in the world.

ACG Worldwide

Recommendation: ☆☆☆☆

Key Products: Capsule fillers, Tablet presses, Packaging machines

Main Markets: Asia, Europe, North America

ACG Worldwide is one of the leading companies in the pharmaceutical machinery manufacturers industry that deals in various types of pharmaceutical machines such as capsule fillers, tablet presses, and packaging machines. They are popular for their focus on innovation and sustainability, offering state-of-the-art equipment that complies with current trends. ACG has a wide international presence and especially has a good hold in countries like India which makes them one of the leading pharma machinery manufacturers among all the above-listed companies.

In addition to their strong product portfolios, ACG Worldwide boasts of efficient services such as equipment manufacturing, technical support, and comprehensive training. This has made them a valued partner for pharmaceutical companies across the globe especially in Asia, Europe and North America due to their innovation and customer satisfaction.

Bausch+Ströbel

Recommendation: ☆☆☆☆

Key Products: Filling machines, Packaging machines, Inspection systems

Main Markets: North America, Europe, Asia

Bausch+Ströbel is one of the leading manufacturers of pharmaceutical equipment especially filling and packaging machines. Their equipment is very much used in biopharmaceutical production since accuracy and cleanliness are very important. The machines used by Bausch+Ströbel are highly qualitative and conform to the best standards of quality and safety, which makes them ideal for use by the pharmaceutical companies who wish to guarantee the safety and efficacy of their products.

Besides their portfolio of premium products, Bausch+Ströbel offers services such as equipment integration, individual solutions, and technical training to guarantee that their clients achieve the best possible performance of their equipment. Their operations in North America, Europe, and Asia also support their capacity to provide efficient and effective solutions across the world, making them the go-to company for many in the pharmaceutical business.

Overview of Pharmaceutical Production Equipment

Milling Equipment

• Hammer Mills: Used for size reduction by impacting particles. Ideal for breaking down bulk pharmaceutical ingredients into finer particles.
• Ball Mills: Operate by using spherical grinding media to grind or mix solid and liquid substances, perfect for achieving finer particle sizes.

Milling equipment is one of the most important equipment in size reduction in pharmaceutical manufacturing since it helps in achieving the right particle size for various formulations. There are different types of mills including hammer mills and ball mills; hammer mills involve the use of high-speed rotating hammers to reduce bulk ingredients into finer particles while ball mills involve grinding and mixing of solid or liquid substances to a specific particle size. These machines are used in the preparation of ingredients for other processes like granulation or mixing and they help in maintaining the dosage and effectiveness of the final product. They are very flexible and can work on almost any material and are therefore very useful in the manufacture of different forms of pills and solid dosage forms.

Blending Equipment

• V-Blenders: Commonly used for blending dry powders and granules homogeneously. They provide gentle mixing, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of sensitive materials.
• High-Shear Mixers: Designed for blending both wet and dry materials quickly and efficiently, these mixers are ideal for granulation processes in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Mixing equipment maintains uniformity in the blending of powders, granules, and other pharmaceutical products which are vital in the effectiveness of the drugs. Some of the common ones are V-blenders and high-shear mixers. V-blenders are suitable for gentle mixing without affecting the quality of the materials; therefore, it is suitable for blending of dry powders and granules. On the other hand, high-shear mixers offer fast and efficient mixing, which is why they are used in processes that require fast granulation of wet and dry substances. Both types of equipment help to distribute the active ingredients and excipients evenly and maintain the quality of the product throughout the production process and guarantee the production of high-quality pharmaceutical products.

Granulation Equipment

• Fluid Bed Granulators: These machines use air to suspend and dry particles, creating uniform granules, essential for solid dosage formulations like tablets and capsules.
• High-Shear Granulators: Offer quick and efficient granulation of powders, providing consistent particle size distribution which is crucial for dosage uniformity.

Granulation is a critical step in the manufacturing of solid dosage forms and such equipment as fluid bed granulators and high shear granulators are used in this stage. In fluid bed granulators, heated air is used to fluidize and dry particles into uniform granules that are essential in the production of tablets. High-shear granulators, on the other hand, provide fast granulation, uniform particle size and density, which is crucial for accurate dosing and rate of drug release. These machines enhance the flowability and compressibility of powders which are crucial in the tablet pressing process to produce high quality tablets.

Drying Equipment

• Fluid Bed Dryers: Utilize heated air to dry granulated materials evenly. They are commonly used in dry granulation processes.
• Tray Dryers: Suitable for drying small batches of materials, especially when different conditions are needed for different trays.

Some of the drying equipment include the fluid bed dryers and the tray dryers which are used in drying of granulated materials to enhance stability and reduce the rate of degradation. The fluid bed dryers are effective in drying since the particles are suspended in a hot air stream; this is important in drying the granules to prepare them for other processes such as compression or encapsulation. Tray dryers on the other hand are ideal for small volumes of production and for products that need to be dried at different rates. These machines are very important in the quality and shelf life of the final pharmaceutical product since they help in removal of moisture.

Coating Equipment

• Tablet Coating Machines: Used to apply a thin layer of coating material onto tablets. Coatings can improve taste, ease of swallowing, or protect active ingredients.
• Pan Coaters: Ideal for coating tablets and pills, using a rotating drum and spraying mechanism to ensure even distribution of the coating material.

Tablet coating machines and pan coaters are basic in the last steps of the process of making tablets and offer features such as taste, protection from the environment, and release control. Tablet coating machines help in applying a uniform layer of coating material on the tablets so that the quality of each batch of tablets is not compromised. Pan coaters utilize a rotating drum in the application of the coating, suitable for both film and sugar coating. These machines do not only beautify and strengthen the tablets but also assist in increasing the level of compliance by patients since the tablets are easier to swallow and have better taste.

Filling Equipment

• Capsule Filling Machines: Automatically fill empty capsules with powders, granules, or liquids, maintaining high speed and accuracy.
• Liquid Filling Machines: Used for filling vials, bottles, or syringes with liquid pharmaceutical products, ensuring precise volumes and minimizing wastage.

Filling equipment is critical for dosing accuracy and efficiency in the packaging stage. Capsule filling machines are used to fill empty capsules with powders, granules or liquids in the right quantity and with less wastage. Likewise, liquid filling machines are crucial for precise filling of vials, bottles and syringes with liquid products, while ensuring sterility and minimizing contamination. Both types of equipment are high speed and high volume which is important for the efficiency and compliance with the regulatory requirements in the production of pharmaceuticals.

Packaging Equipment

• Blister Packaging Machines: Designed to pack tablets, capsules, and other dosage forms in blister packs that protect the product and ensure its shelf life.
• Cartoning Machines: Automatically form cartons, load pharmaceutical products, and seal them, providing both efficiency and consistency.

Blister packaging machines and cartoning machines are used in the last steps of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process as they offer protection and a suitable appearance to the final products. Blister packaging machines are intended to pack tablets and capsules in a safe and sealed packaging that cannot be easily opened and compromises the quality of the product. Cartoning machines are used in forming cartons, loading the products and sealing them for dispatch to minimize on packaging and also increase efficiency. These machines are crucial in meeting the regulatory requirements of packaging and delivering pharmaceutical products to the consumers.

Inspection and Quality Control Equipment

• Automatic Visual Inspection Systems: These systems use cameras and sensors to inspect tablets and capsules for defects like cracks, chips, or incorrect shapes.
• Metal Detectors: Ensures that the final pharmaceutical product is free from any metal contaminants.

Pharmaceutical products require inspection and quality control to meet the set regulatory requirements in the market. Automatic visual inspection systems employ camera and sensors to check for any defects in the tablets and capsules, for instance, cracks or wrong shapes, which makes sure that only quality products are sold in the market. Metal detectors also help to protect the product by detecting and removing any metal particles in the production process. These machines are very important in ensuring that the pharmaceutical industry has high standards of safety and quality to avoid the loss of money through recalls and to ensure that the consumers are safe.

Sterilization Equipment

• Autoclaves: Use steam under high pressure to sterilize equipment, instruments, and packaging materials.
• Depyrogenation Tunnels: Used in aseptic processing to remove pyrogens from glass containers and other packaging components.

Autoclaves and depyrogenation tunnels are some of the sterilization equipment used in the pharmaceutical production to ensure that the environment is sterile. Autoclaves work through the use of high pressure steam to ensure that the equipment, instruments and packaging materials are free from microorganisms. Depyrogenation tunnels help in the removal of pyrogens from glass containers and packaging components that is very vital in aseptic processing and production of sterile drugs. These machines are very important in maintaining the integrity of products and protecting the health of patients.

Bioprocessing Equipment

• Bioreactors: Essential for cultivating cells and microorganisms in biopharmaceutical production, ensuring optimal growth conditions.
• Filtration Systems: Used in the purification process of biological products, removing contaminants while retaining the desired product.

Bioprocessing equipment is essential in the manufacturing of biologics and other sophisticated products. Bioreactors are used for cell culture and fermentation that are critical in the production of quality biological products. Filtration systems are employed to clean and enrich biological products, while at the same time excluding any unwanted elements that may be present. These specialized machines are essential in the biopharmaceutical industry where accuracy, cleanliness and safety are critical.

New Technologies in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

The current trends that are defining the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing include artificial intelligence automation, process controls, and continuous manufacturing. These technologies are changing the way various types of pills are manufactured by making them more efficient, cheaper and of better quality. For instance, the application of automated visual inspection systems and robotic handling in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical equipment can minimize human errors and contamination issues, resulting in better medications.

Conclusion

Selecting the right pharmaceutical equipment manufacturer is very important in determining the success of any pharmaceutical production company. The companies mentioned in this article are the leaders in the industry providing the innovative solutions, technical support, and the wide range of the pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment to satisfy the variety of requirements. In the future, the technological and manufacturing developments will remain the key factors that will help to create the safer and more effective types of the pills and other pharmaceuticals.

This knowledge of the key factors and the top players in the pharmaceutical equipment market will help companies make the right decisions that will affect their productivity, regulatory compliance and profitability in the future.As a leading supplier of pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment and services, SED Pharma provides a wide range of products and services to pharmaceutical companies that seek to improve their production efficiency. Our team of professionals and international accreditations make it our mission to assist you in attaining effective, legal, and creative pharmaceutical production. Call us today to learn how we can help you meet your production needs.