The International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE) announced Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals as the 2014 Facility of the Year Awards (FOYA) Overall Winner.

Pfizer Ireland's Network Strategy Implementation (NSI) Expansion Capacity project challenged the company to add capacity by re-purposing an existing manufacturing space for a new vaccine suite and a new multiproduct small-to-medium scale drug substance bioprocess suite at the Grange Castle plant in Clondalkin, South County Dublin.

"The NSI Expansion Capacity project exemplified the mission of FOYA," said ISPE President and CEO John Bournas. "Pfizer Ireland's vision of empowerment and operational excellence enabled the company to produce a world-class manufacturing environment and expand the capacity of its biotech operations on an aggressive timeline."

Throughout the project, Pfizer Ireland utilized a Lean Management Strategy and a 5S program in the design process to ensure flow and operations. Additionally, a Six Sigma toolkit was developed for all project personnel, and all production processes were value stream-mapped. The project team also ensured the new manufacturing suites included the latest technologies (i.e. EBR, PAT and Disposable Bag).

"We are excited to recognize Pfizer Ireland as an innovator in operational excellence," said Chair of the FOYA Judging Panel James Breen, "The society was impressed with the NSI Capacity Expansion project and the company's ability to effectively manage the challenges of maintaining supply with the demolition of existing facilities, new construction, and start-up and integration activities."

Celebrating its tenth year, FOYA continues to showcase the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry's accomplishments in facility design, construction and operation, while sharing the development of new applications of technology and cutting-edge approaches.