Supply Chain Management At Nicholas Piramal India

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Supply Chain Management at Nicholas Piramal India

Case Study

Supply chain management (SCM) is one of the leading cost saving and revenue

enhancement strategies in use today. Pharmaceutical companies are increasingly

using this technique to improve the entire functional process. SCM has also helped

companies enhance their efficiency in managing resources and improving

relationships.

In the case of Nicholas Piramal, SCM has proved to be one of the most powerful engines of

business transformation. Since the company’s decision to enter the high growth contract

manufacturing and research services (CRAMS) segment, SCM has become key to the

company’s strategy. After the acquisition of Avecia (UK) in 2005, and more recently, Pfizer’s

UK Morepeth facility, the company’s ability to integrate over seas businesses and ramp up of

supplies becomes key to the profitability it’s CRAMS business.

Background

Three years ago, India’s fourth largest pharmaceutical company, NPIL, came up with a total

restructure plan. Post patent regime, the company identified CRAMS as a major growth

opportunity. With a slowdown in patented drugs sales and drying R&D pipelines, global

pharmaceutical companies are increasingly exploring low cost options for outsourcing research

and manufacturing. According to industry sources, the global pharmaceutical outsourcing

market, which currently stands at $24 billion, could reach $53 billion by 2010. Low cost

manpower and a large base of FDA approved plants, positions India high on the outsourcing

list, Suven Lifesciences, GVK Biosciences, Jubilant Organosys, Nicholas Piramal and Shasun

Chemicals & Drugs now featuring among the leading Indian players in this segment.

Custom manufacturing for innovator companies stands out as the most attractive outsourcing

opportunity for pharma companies. This market could reach, from an estimated $16 billion

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