GEA Diessel GmbH, a member of the Process Engineering Segment of the GEA Group, has recently signed a US$17.6 million contract with Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar) in the UAE to provide processing equipment for the manufacture of insulin. The project starts in June and is due for completion by the middle of 2011. When in full production the plant, which will comply with the latest EMEA regulations, will produce insulin to help make the life-saving drug more widely available to patients in the UAE and throughout the Middle East.
 
Julphar is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the Middle East. This order for GEA Diessel is part of the final phase in a project valued at over US$135 million. The contract was signed on 3rd May 2010 at Julphar’s headquarters in Ras Al Khaimah by Dr. Ayman Sahli, General Manager of Julphar and Heinz Waltersdorf, Managing Director of GEA Diessel. This is the latest project in a long-running partnership between GEA Diessel and Julphar that has lasted over 13 years. 
 
Between now and the middle of 2011 GEA Diessel will provide the infrastructure necessary to supply a purified water system, water for injection, pure steam generators and all clean-in-place systems including all the necessary piping for this and the interconnecting piping in the production area. Commenting on the project Dr. Ayman Sahli said: “We are proud to proceed with the final phase of the insulin crystals project. Julphar is committed to the highest quality we seek to ensure this by partnering only with the best suppliers in the industry.”
 
Heinz Waltersdorf was understandably delighted with the new contract which continues his company’s fruitful cooperation with Julphar. He also pointed out that the contract resulted from joint cooperation with engineering teams from other members of the GEA Group who will work together on the project to bring it to a successful conclusion.