The Hoffmann La Roche AG in Grenzach, Germany systematically approached the modernisation of their compressed air supply. After it was detected that the existing compressed air station caused high operating costs and substantial maintenance costs, Hoffmann La Roche firstly had to seek a competent service partner, which could carry out a current status analysis and develop an appropriate solution concept.
This partner was found in Donaldson. As a leading manufacturer of components and systems for compressed air processing, globally known under the product brand Donaldson Ultrafilter, Donaldson exactly knows the quality and efficiency requirements which the pharmaceutical production sets the compressed air supply. At the same time, Donaldson is a multi-supplier with regard to compressed air supply - thus best prerequisites for an objective consultation.
At first, by means of an on-line measurement conducted over several weeks, the pressure and flow rate requirements of production as well as further quality relevant parameters (compressed air temperature, residual oil content) were determined by the Donaldson experts. The result of the measurement analysis pointed out that there were indeed large savings potentials - for example the minimisation of compressor stand-still times, reducing of the compression and pressure and exchanging older adsorptions dryers.
On the basis of these results, Hoffmann La Roche and Donaldson compiled a contract specification for the modernisation, which amongst other things included the extension of the compressed air station with a speed adjusted compressor, a superior intelligent learning control system as well as 100% redundant compressed air processing.
Out of the four contractors participating in the bidding procedure Donaldson was able to obtain the business. Harald Kassner, purchasing manager of Hoffmann La Roche: "apart from all technical aspects Donaldson could definitely offer us the best cost-performance ratio”.
In order to accomplish the modernisation without interrupting the compressed air supply, the work was completed in three partial stages. In doing so the extensive conditions in the documentation, which were stipulated in the EU GMP manual as well as the rules of the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), were fulfilled. The training of the service personnel were likewise part of the service offering, which in the course of the modernisation at Hoffmann La Roche was performed by Donaldson.
On completion of the work, Hoffmann La Roche can draw a completely positive result. Project manager Stephan Schnath: "the modernised compressed air station runs trouble-free; we are absolutely satisfied with the work performed by Donaldson." And so that these conditions prevail, in the context of a servicing contract, the Donaldson service takes care of the compressed air supply and processing in the plant in Grenzach.
Donaldson Company, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems and replacement parts. Founded in 1915, Donaldson is a technology-driven company committed to satisfying customer needs for filtration solutions through innovative research and development. Donaldson serves customers in the industrial, food-stuffs and pharmaceutical industries as well as the automotive engineering and plant construction sectors. In Europe Donaldson is represented by the brands Donaldson Ultrafilter and Donaldson Torit DCE. Our 9,000 employees contribute to the company's success at over 30 manufacturing locations around the world. In fiscal year 2003, Donaldson reported sales of more than $1.2 billion and achieved its 14th consecutive year of double-digit earnings growth. Donaldson is a member of the S&P MidCap 400 Index and Donaldson shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DCI. Additional company information is available at www.donaldson.com.
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