^{April Issue, 2008, Vol 10}

Andrei Calinescu, Engineering Manager at Contract Pharmaceuticals Limited (CPL), talked to us about his  engineering career in the pharmaceutical industry.

Andrei works for CPL, is a global supplier of contract manufacturing and packaging services headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada with two production facilities in Canada and the US as well as a testing facility in Canada. He has been an engineer for about 3 ½ years, since earning a Bachelor of Applied Science and Engineering with Honors.

What kind of pharmaceutical products does your company manufacture?
We develop PL (private label) manufactures creams, liquids and ointment OTC (over the counter) and Rx (prescription) products and packages creams, liquids, ointment and solid dose OTC (over the counter) and Rx (prescription) products.

Tell us about your role as an engineer at Contract Pharmaceuticals Limited.
I gear up the production facility for new business development. My department ensures that we have the available technologies and processes required to run new jobs. However, as the engineering manager, in a quickly growing contract pharmaceutical company, I wear many hats. Some of my other duties are to route and cost new business, participate in incident investigations, troubleshoot current equipment, maintain current equipment, purchase new equipment and change parts, assist in the validation of equipment, identify and implement process improvements and train operators and mechanics on equipment operation.

Also, I work on at least five (5) projects annually for new product launches. Other task-assignments include Continuous Improvement initiatives. Some of the challenges that I face include the classic tradeoff between Time – Scope – Budget.

Why did you decide to work in the pharmaceutical industry?
I was introduced to the pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging industry though my co-op placement. I was fascinated by the level of automation, cutting edge technology and the extent of continuous improvement involved in the industry.

What do you like most about working in the pharmaceutical industry? 
The Cutting edge technology, Continuous Improvement and the need for effective project management skills. As I progress in my career, I would like to develop my knowledge of operations management.

What are the considerations one should keep in mind when deciding whether to work in the pharmaceutical industry?
The pharmaceutical industry is what we call a ‘small circle’. Once you are in, you are motivated to stay in. This can be interpreted as a pro or a con.

What do you wish you knew before entering the pharmaceutical industry?
I would have benefited from more specific packaging engineering experience.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to be a successful engineer in your Industry?
The pharmaceutical manufacturing and packaging industry is a people-oriented environment and requires a sound practical and mechanical aptitude (previous work experience in the industry would be a definite asset), negotiation skills, a good understanding of systematic processes and automated processes and excellent time and project management skills.

What new technologies are breaking ground in your field?
‘Pick and place’ robotics, vision inspection, servo drives and RFID (radio frequency identification).

What are the trends of the pharmaceutical industry over the next 5 years and how do you see CLP playing a role?
The larger pharmaceutical companies are relying more and more on outsourcing. This translates into more business for contract pharmaceuticals companies like CPL. CPL is forecasting a significant growth rate for the near future.