Vial, syringe makers push the pedal as Covid-19 vaccine roll-out nears

Most firms plan to increase capacity to meet fresh orders

Syringe and vial makers are quickly ramping up production capacity to meet the surge in demand on the back of government orders as the rollout of a coronavirus vaccine nears. 

The government has invited bids for 350 million syringes, which comes on top of the orders for 230 million syringes placed earlier. Cumulatively, these orders will take care of the initial phases of vaccination that involve the inoculation of 300 million people. However, most vial and syringe makers are already working at full capacity. 

Some companies like pharma containers maker Schott Kaisha have drawn up plans to ramp up capacity