Tofflonit, open innovation at the service of the pharmaceutical and biotech industry

Itema, leading global provider of advanced weaving solutions, and Tofflon Science and Technology Group Co. Ltd., Asiatic giant company in the pharmaceutical industry, have presented Tofflonit, the new joint venture dedicated to the production of industrial lyophilizers for the biopharmaceutical sector that operates under the name Tofflon Itema Srl. With an initial investment of 10 million euros, the company will have its regional headquarters in Nibbia, in the province of Novara, where a manufacturing plant with high quality and innovation levels has been operating since October. The agreement was illustrated in Bergamo on October 24th during BioTopics 2023, the event dedicated to biotechnologies and open innovation.

Founded in Shanghai in 1993, Tofflon is a comprehensive pharmaceutical equipment supplier to provide process support, core equipment, integrated system and pharma engineering for the pharma and biotech industry, with more than 5,800 employees worldwide and a 2022 turnover of about 800 million US dollars. In order to pursue its strategy of internationalization and expansion, the group chose Itema as the partner for the planning and engineering of its new branch in Europe, where the group will produce lyophilization systems for the production of antibiotics, vaccines, diagnostic drugs, products containing proteins and biotechnological products.

“Throughout our thirty-year activity, we have developed solid skills for the production of machinery and equipment for the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Our aim is to further grow in the European and American markets, approaching clients to whom we want to ensure the excellence of our solutions with efficient services and ideal shipping times. We are sure that the collaboration with Itema will enable us to reach excellent results”, said Michael Chang, senior vice president of Tofflon Science and Technology Group Co. Ltd.

Known in the world for its weaving machines and integrated solutions, Itema has transferred its experience in mechanical, electronic, and mechatronic technologies to Itemalab, founding a multidisciplinary hub that in the last few years has become a privileged partner for companies in any industrial sector that need advice and support in innovation and sustainability, from digitalization to system engineering.

“We are proud that Tofflon selected Itemalab to fine-tune the industrial plan that will bring to the market its advanced lyophilization systems. The factory of Tofflonit in Nibbia is a clear demonstration of the skills of Itemalab in the fields of lean manufacturing and open innovation, and it represents another significant step of our Group diversification strategy after the takeover of Lamiflex, leading supplier of composite products”, added Ugo Ghilardi, CEO of Itema.