Medical Device Link.

Originally Published PMPN March 2003

NEWS

West Pharmaceutical Services is implementing disaster-recovery plans to use alternate manufacturing facilities following an explosion 
and fire at the Kinston, NC, plant on January 29, 2003. 

Four workers lost their lives and 27 others were injured as a result of the explosion, which was felt for miles around, according to news reports.
At press time, the cause of the accident was unknown, according to the company, which is headquartered in Lionville, PA. The facility, which employed 255 people, was used to manufacture syringe plungers and intravenous fitments for drug-delivery systems and to compound rubber materials for distribution to other West plants. 

Recovery efforts at the site are underway. Finished goods from the molding facility have been removed and are being shipped to customers subject to quality assurance approval. The majority of the molding tools have been recovered and, based on a preliminary assessment, appear to be in useable condition.

At press time, the plant’s functions were being shifted to other West facilities, and the company was working with its customers and FDA to minimize interruptions in supply.

“The responsiveness of our recovery and logistics teams has produced an initial assessment of our recoverable assets and a better understanding of our near-term customer needs,” said Don Morel, West’s president and chief executive officer. “This information will allow us to prioritize our production schedules as appropriate to assure continuity of supply to our customers. At this point, we believe that a substantial portion of the Kinston compounding and molding production can be incorporated into our other manufacturing facilities by late April or early May.”

West is increasing production at its other facilities around the world to offset the loss of production at the Kinston plant. The company is also in the process of relocating some of Kinston employees to other West U.S. facilities on a temporary basis.

A fund has been established for employee relief and recovery. Checks should be made to “Kinston Recovery Fund” and mailed to: Kinston Recovery Fund, c/o West Pharmaceutical Services, 101 Gordon Dr., Exton, PA 19341.

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