Retrofitting of a Gerteis tablet press
Discover how Alps Group assisted UCB Farchim in the modernization of a Gerteis tablet press, essential for the production of Levetiracetam tablets.

Context
UCB Farchim SA is a key player in the production of medicines for allergies and the central nervous system, manufacturing 3,600 batches and 700 tons of active ingredients, as well as two billion tablets distributed worldwide. However, the Gerteis tablet press, critical for the production of Levetiracetam tablets, had outdated automation components, compromising production efficiency.
Retrofitting the Gerteis Tablet Press
Modernize outdated equipment to improve production efficiency and ensure the continuity of operations.

Achievements
The Alps Group team was selected for this retrofit project and took care of several key aspects:
- Completion of the electrical part and hardware modifications within the existing press cell
- Implementation of a thermal regulation system to optimize performance
- Programming of PLCs and the supervision PC to ensure effective integration of the new systems
- On-site installation and commissioning of the modernized equipment
- Provision of complete documentation to ensure thorough understanding of the new installations
- Assistance with the necessary qualification processes after the update
The Alps Group team immediately provided good technical solutions, such as replacing printers on the fly. Moreover, everything was done to resolve issues discovered during the project without impacting production planning. I particularly appreciated the clear and effective structure at Alps Group, with a dedicated Project Manager who was our main point of contact, alongside the other technical collaborators involved.
UCB Farchim SA