"We have a state-of-the-art industrial unit that meets all quality and process requirements at a global level."

20 March, 2023

We spoke with Bernardo Cardoso. our production manager for aseptic and sterile products at Sofarimex. Among other questions, we asked him about the major technological innovations in ​​the freeze-dried area, and the main challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry.

The Sofarimex freeze-dried product new unit is today the focus of Grupo Azevedos industrial activity. What is the big differential comparing with the rest of the players globally?

We have a state-of-the-art unit that meets all quality and process requirements at a global level and, above all, we have highly valued teams in the key areas of the new unit and across Grupo Azevedos in general.

You worked at Grupos Azevedos from 2008 to 2019 and recently returned to lead the new freeze-dried product unit. What made you come back and accept this challenge?

Precisely because it is a new challenge and the fact of lead a renewed freeze-dried unit with a very valuable and experienced team makes a very exciting project. At the same time returning to a company with a big name at national and international level, where I already did a good part of my professional career, and with many colleagues of great quality and experience.

What were the latest major technological developments in this area and how does this Sofarimex unit follow this evolution?

The major technological developments in the area of ​​the pharmaceutical industry are the new tools in the area of ​​robotics and also the existence of new alternative equipment with large outputs, maintaining the quality requirements. Sofarimex's Freeze Dried Product area was revamped in the last year, which resulted in the implementation of 3 large capacity Freeze Dryers that are served by an AGV system that loads and unloads them after completing the respective freeze drying cycles. And at the same time the installation of a robot that palletizes the vials after capsulating them, which then go on to the packaging stages.

What are the major challenges in the pharmaceutical market this year?

The challenges in the area of ​​the pharmaceutical industry, especially in terms of the manufacturing unit, have to do above all with the satisfaction of national and worlwide customers. The focus must be always our customers. These objectives are transposed with the fulfillment of the plan and the delivery of the intended products in order to feed the European and world markets and contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the target population. On the other hand, the company's continued investment in new production lines in order to improve existing outputs and always seek to improve the quality of customer service.

 Do you remember any funny/symbolic stories that you have experienced here at Sofarimex?

Honestly, I don't remember funny stories, but I remember with great satisfaction and joy the Grupo Azevedos Christmas parties which, in addition to being very pleasant, were very important for team building among colleagues and between the different areas and companies of Grupo Azevedos, and which happened before we were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.