What to Expect at Interphex 2007

By Heidi Parsons, Managing Editor

PharmaManufacturing.com

Manhattan in the spring, a bustling show floor and thought-provoking educational sessions provide all the reason anyone should need to attend this year’s event

Editor's Note: This is the "enhanced version" of this article, containing information on Interphex, exhibitors and their products, and things to do in New York that we didn't have space for in the magazine. Vive l'Internet!

Click here to access information on Dining and Other Extracurricular Activities.

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In our current business climate, in which productivity is the pinnacle and maximizing value to the shareholders is the mantra, it is fitting that Interphex continues to expand in size and scope each year. This year, Interphex is co-located with PharmaMedDevice, a show that aims to “fully illuminate the future of the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biologic industries and provide a dynamic platform for partnering, sourcing and discovery of new combination products,” according to the organizers.

ADVERTISEMENT Show Hours Tuesday, Apr. 24th: 10 am – 5 pm Wednesday, Apr. 25th: 10 am – 5 pm Thursday, Apr. 26th: 10 am – 3 pm Conference Hours Tuesday, Apr. 24th: 9 am – 4 pm Wednesday, Apr. 25th: 9 am – 4 pm Thursday, Apr. 26th: 9 am – 3 pm

Whereas the 2006 event was held in March, this year the event runs Apr. 24-26, which should considerably brighten attendees’experiences in terms of travel to and from and extracurricular activities in the Big Apple. As in previous years, Interphex will take place at the Jacob Javits Convention Center (11th Ave. and 34th St.). Hours for both the trade show and the educational conference (Box, right) are similar, and once again the exhibition subsumes four major segments: Facilities, Outsourcing & Contract Services, Information Technology and Manufacturing/Processing. Key focus areas for new solutions and sources include Automation, Packaging, RFID, Contamination Control and Biotech.

This year’s Keynote Presentations promise big-picture perspectives from industry trailblazers. On Tuesday, Apr. 24, from 11:30 to 12:30, Cook Group Chairman and CEO Bill Cook will discuss, “What's Next: Where Devices and Medicine Go From Here . . .” Cook founded his company in Bloomington, Ind., on $1,500 invested capital, with him and his wife Gayle as its only employees, and with percutaneous wire guides, catheters and needles as its first products. Today the organization is a 50-company conglomerate with manufacturing facilities in the U.S, Australia, Denmark and Ireland, and sales organizations across the globe. Cook Group companies manufacture cardiovascular, critical care, diagnostic and interventional products, extruded and injection-molded plastics, stainless steel tubing, urological equipment, OB/GYN devices, and endoscopic instruments.

On Wednesday, Apr. 25, from 11:30 to 12:30, G. Steven Burrill will lay out his vision for “The Future of the Industry.” Currently CEO of Burrill and Co., a life sciences merchant bank, Burrill is a biotechnology pioneer who has been involved in the growth and development of the industry for over 35 years. He chairs or is a member of several biotech companies’ boards of directors. Prior to founding Burrill & Company in 1994, he spent 28 years with Ernst & Young, directing and coordinating the firm's services to clients in the biotechnology/life sciences/high technology/manufacturing industries worldwide. In 2002, Burrill was recognized as the biotech investment visionary by Scientific American magazine.

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Companies and Products to See

For Interphex 2007, there are more than 180 new exhibitors, including large and small companies from North America and abroad. In the listings that follow, we seek to spotlight some “must-see” companies and products.

A&B Process Systems – Booth #1965

A&B Process offers assistance "from concept to completion" — design, building and installation of process and automation systems. A&B’s process modules are pre-assembled, fully tested and inspected so that they are “ready to run” immediately after installation. A&B Process’ broad range of installation services includes the installation of sanitary and high purity process piping and equipment, as well as to field erection, equipment rigging and millwright services. (www.abprocess.com/indserved.htm#pharm)

Aramark Cleanroom Services – Booth #245

Aramark Cleanroom Services provides cleanroom garment services throughout North America. All of the company's processing plants have achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification. Each facility has a comprehensive documentation system, disaster recovery plan, a dedicated QA manager and dedicated staff, as well as a web-based garment management system. (www.aramark-cleanroom.com)

Baldor Electric Co. – Booth #4082

Baldor will feature its line of 100% stainless steel AC motors and gear boxes. The company will also show paint-free AC and DC motors, AC and DC washdown duty motors and washdown duty controls. Baldor recently expanded its product line significantly, through the acquisition of Reliance Electric Co. — including Dodge mechanical and Reliance Electric motors — from Rockwell Automation. (www.baldor.com)