Piramal Pharma Announces $80 Mln Expansion of Lexington Facility

Key Takeaways from Piramal Pharma Solutions' $80 Mln Expansion:

• Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS) has revealed an $80 million investment plan to expand its Lexington, Kentucky facility, focusing on sterile compounding, liquid filling, and lyophilization.
• The expansion will be financed through bank loans and internal accruals, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing operational capabilities.
• The project will add 24,000 square feet of manufacturing space and new equipment, including a filling line, two commercial-size lyophilizers, a specialised capping machine, and an external vial washer.
• The facility's annual production capacity will rise from 104 batches to over 240 batches after the expansion is completed in the first quarter of 2027, positioning PPS as a stronger global partner in biologic manufacturing.

The expansion, funded through bank loans and internal accruals, aims to enhance the site's capacity and capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly growing market. 

The project will add 24,000 square feet of manufacturing space, a new laboratory, and advanced machinery, including a new filling line, two commercial-size lyophilizers, a specialised capping machine, and an external vial washer.

Currently, the Lexington facility can manufacture 104 product batches annually at peak capacity. Upon completion of the expansion in the first quarter of 2027, this capacity is expected to increase to over 240 batches per year, strengthening Piramal Pharma’s position as a reliable global partner for biologic manufacturing.

About Piramal Pharma Limited:

Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL) provides a variety of specialised products and services through its 17 global development and manufacturing facilities, reaching over 100 countries. Its divisions include Piramal Pharma Solutions (PPS) for contract development and manufacturing, Piramal Critical Care (PCC) for complex hospital generics, and an India Consumer Healthcare division offering over-the-counter wellness products. Additionally, PPL's joint venture with Abbvie, Abbvie Therapeutics India Private Limited, has become a leader in the ophthalmology market in India. PPL also holds a strategic minority investment in Yapan Bio Private Limited, focused on biologics and vaccines, and received a 20% investment from the Carlyle Group in October 2020 to support its growth.

Key Takeaways from the Stock Surge

• Hercules Hoists' stock rose by 10% on October 1, 2024, following the recent announcement regarding the Scheme of Arrangement with Indef Manufacturing Limited.
• The Scheme of Arrangement became effective on September 30, 2024, after filing with the Registrar of Companies, Mumbai.
• The stock surge reflects investor optimism in the potential value unlocked by the restructuring between Hercules Hoists and IML.

The scheme, which became effective after the required filings with the Registrar of Companies, involves a restructuring process that positions Hercules Hoists for future growth.

This positive market reaction reflects investor confidence in the potential benefits of the reorganisation, which aims to streamline the operations of Hercules Hoists and IML, unlocking value for shareholders. The surge in stock price underscores the optimism surrounding the company's strategic initiatives, following the formalisation of the scheme.

About Hercules Hoists Limited

Hercules Hoists Ltd. provides a wide range of goods and services, including the production of wire rope hoists, electric chain hoists, mechanical hoists, stackers, storage and retrieval solutions, and other engineering machinery.

Key Takeaways from the Stock Surge

• Hercules Hoists' stock rose by 10% on October 1, 2024, following the recent announcement regarding the Scheme of Arrangement with Indef Manufacturing Limited.
• The Scheme of Arrangement became effective on September 30, 2024, after filing with the Registrar of Companies, Mumbai.
• The stock surge reflects investor optimism in the potential value unlocked by the restructuring between Hercules Hoists and IML.

The scheme, which became effective after the required filings with the Registrar of Companies, involves a restructuring process that positions Hercules Hoists for future growth.

This positive market reaction reflects investor confidence in the potential benefits of the reorganisation, which aims to streamline the operations of Hercules Hoists and IML, unlocking value for shareholders. The surge in stock price underscores the optimism surrounding the company's strategic initiatives, following the formalisation of the scheme.

About Hercules Hoists Limited

Hercules Hoists Ltd. provides a wide range of goods and services, including the production of wire rope hoists, electric chain hoists, mechanical hoists, stackers, storage and retrieval solutions, and other engineering machinery.

Key Takeaways from the Jindal and CJ Darcl Collaboration

• Jindal Stainless and CJ Darcl have collaborated to develop lightweight and sustainable stainless steel containers for cargo transport.
• The use of high-strength JT-grade stainless steel reduces container weight, leading to increased cargo capacity, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced operational costs.
• CJ Darcl's extensive logistics network allows for efficient deployment of these containers across various transportation modes.

Jindal Stainless supplied 2.2 metric tonnes of JT stainless steel for each container, replacing the traditional carbon steel used in the sidewalls, end walls, and roof. In addition, the underframes of containers are also made up of customised stainless steel tubes. These transitions have resulted in a weight reduction of approximately 500 kilograms per container, leading to increased cargo capacity, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced operational costs. Additionally, the containers benefit from enhanced safety and prolonged life owing to the superior impact and fire resistance of JT-grade stainless steel.  

With a robust multimodal logistics network spanning road, rail, air, and sea transportation, CJ Darcl is in a unique position to deploy these stainless steel containers across its diverse operations. This will enable clients in diverse sectors to benefit from the increased cargo capacity and long-term cost savings that the new containers provide. CJ Darcl's commitment to multimodal logistics helps optimise routes, reduce transit times, and lower overall emissions, making it a leader in green logistics.

In addition to supplying the materials, Jindal Stainless provided comprehensive technical support throughout the project. This included collaboration in the design phase, conducting Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Factor of Safety (FOS) analysis, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and offering hands-on training to the fabrication team at Kamal Coach Works, Jaipur, CJ Darcl’s approved vendor. Ombre Stainless Pvt. Ltd. has supplied customised stainless steel tubes for the underframes by developing new pipe sizes, resulting in enhanced strength and sustainability with a focus on innovation.

As of 30th September 2024, all 50 containers have been fabricated. Jindal Stainless previously partnered with JBM Auto, the country’s largest electric bus manufacturer, to produce over 500 energy-efficient electric buses using lightweight, high-strength stainless steel, enhancing performance and durability. By partnering with JBM Auto in the past and now CJ Darcl, Jindal Stainless is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the transportation sector, including others, such as railways, infrastructure, etc.

Commenting on the collaboration, the Managing Director of Jindal Stainless, Mr Abhyuday Jindal, said, “India's logistics sector, a cornerstone of its booming economy, faces a pressing need for sustainability. Stainless steel solutions in logistics and mobility offer a promising path towards a greener future. The use of JT grade stainless steel not only reduces the weight of containers, improving fuel efficiency but also ensures a longer lifespan with minimal maintenance, making it a more sustainable solution with the least amount of carbon footprint. Being an inert metal, stainless steel does not react with the materials being transported, thereby ensuring zero contamination. This partnership with CJ Darcl is part of a larger vision of creating sustainable, cost-effective solutions that benefit both the industry and the environment.” 

President of CJ Darcl Logistics Ltd., Mr Pardeep Bansal, also commented on the collaboration, “This development marks a significant shift in the logistics industry by leveraging the strength, lighter weight, and enhanced durability of stainless steel, along with its long-term sustainability benefits. As the demand for green logistics rises, the Indian logistics sector is increasingly embracing sustainable practices, aligning perfectly with India’s goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2070, for a greener future. Through these collaborations, we are committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability within the logistics sector.”

About Jindal Stainless Limited

Founded in 1970, Jindal Stainless is India's top stainless-steel manufacturer with a consolidated annual turnover of INR 38,562 crore (USD 4.7 billion) in FY24. By 2026, the company aims to expand its production capacity to 4.2 million tonnes per year. With 16 manufacturing and processing facilities spread across India, Spain, and Indonesia, and a global presence in 12 countries, Jindal Stainless serves customers worldwide. In India, it operates through ten sales offices and six service centres (as of March 2024). The company's product offerings include stainless steel slabs, coils, sheets, plates, precision strips, wire rods, rebars, and more.

About CJ Darcl Logistics Limited

CJ Darcl is a leading provider of multimodal logistics solutions in India, offering transportation services across road, rail, air, and sea. The company provides additional services like project logistics, warehousing, distribution, and freight forwarding. With a network of nearly 200 branches and over 5,000 experienced professionals, CJ Darcl serves both private and public sector clients across major cities, ports, and industrial hubs. The company owns a diverse fleet of over 1,200 trucks, trailers, and other heavy-duty vehicles, along with more than 1,100 containers.