Bayer is continuing its investment in producing high-quality animal health medicines in New Zealand with the commissioning today (Friday 4 November 2016) of a new $3 million water treatment station at its Manukau production site.
The new plant takes ordinary tap water and through a system of filtering, deionizing and softening converts it into Pure Water (PW). It is then further refined and distilled to create Water For Injection (WFI).
Bayer New Zealand managing director Derek Bartlett says the new water treatment plant is a major leap for the production site.Both types of water are used in manufacturing a wide range of animal medicines and products ranging from metabolics for dairy cows to drenches and supplements for farm livestock and horses.
Pictured above are:Chris Buttkus (Product Supply Site Manager), Derek Bartlett (Bayer New Zealand Managing Director), Bhaskar Premji (Head of Production) and David Cloete (Engineering Manager).“Previously it would take about six hours to produce 2000 litres of Water For Injection. Now we can produce 2000 litres in one hour. We can now get high quality water whenever we want without any restrictions, which will impact positively on our production times.”
Another important feature of the water treatment plant is its ability to self-monitor. “Basically, it self-checks itself to ensure the water being produced does not get contaminated or go out of spec,” says Bartlett. As well as treating water, the new plant also distributes it throughout the Manukau production site 24/7 and has two large storage tanks.
Following the commissioning of the plant, there will be a two month testing and validation process before full manufacturing begins in January.
The new water treatment plant is part of a series of multi-million upgrades to the Manukau plant. Other improvements will be made to its Liquids and Pastes production facility starting next year. “Bayer firmly believes in supporting our local farming industry here in New Zealand,” says Bartlett.
“To do that, it is crucial that we invest in our manufacturing plant, which not only produces animal medicines for local use, but also exports to more than 70 countries around the world.”
A Bayer release
