Beta Pharmacon (BP), a subsidiary of Dexa Medica — one of Indonesia’s leading pharmaceutical groups — set out to build a world-class solid-dosage manufacturing facility for domestic and international markets. Its strategic vision was clear: to produce branded and generic pharmaceutical products at high volume, across multiple therapeutic categories, and to the highest international regulatory standards.
For pharmaceutical manufacturers, the choice of process technology is critical. Equipment quality directly affects Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), batch repeatability, cycle time, and the confidence of international regulatory bodies during audits. Beta Pharmacon recognised that expanding into global markets required a partner whose equipment could withstand the scrutiny of stringent international quality and regulatory standards.
The challenge
Entering global pharmaceutical supply chains, particularly those serving humanitarian programmes, requires manufacturers to demonstrate not only quality intent, but measurable, auditable quality performance. Advanced, reliable equipment helps to minimise process variability and supports smoother audits by international regulatory bodies. BP needed process technology that would:
- deliver consistent batch-to-batch granulation performance across a diverse product portfolio
- support GMP certification and agency inspections
- scale efficiently for high-volume output without compromising product quality
- provide a robust foundation to satisfy the qualification requirements from all partners.
Why GEA?
Initiated by Annes Patricia, Regional Sales Director, the collaboration began in 2022–2023, when Beta Pharmacon conducted a structured evaluation of technology providers for its new solid-dosage manufacturing facility. A key milestone was a visit to GEA India’s manufacturing site, organised by Annes, where BP’s team assessed engineering quality, manufacturing standards, and technical capability firsthand — not through brochures, but through direct observation and discussion.
“For our new production facility, we required equipment that provided greater process control and enabled digital data acquisition. Visiting the GEA facility assured us that the technology behind the machines matched the standards we were aiming for,” said Gatot Prayitno, Director at Beta Pharmacon.
As Senior Director PFA, Raman Singh’s contribution was significant at this stage. He played an instrumental role by demonstrating GEA India’s capabilities to Mr Gatot Prayitno, Mr Effendi, and Mr Nikolaus Utomo during their visit. He also convinced them to arrange a reference visit in India.
The solution
Following the evaluation process, GEA was engaged to supply two 1,200 L integrated granulation lines. Rimal Patel, Sales Director, Pharma OSD APAC, provided extensive technical and commercial consultation, helped BP to identify process challenges and subsequently recommended tailored solutions. Designed for robust, repeatable wet granulation in demanding pharmaceutical environments, the high-capacity systems provided the scale, process reliability, and engineering quality that BP’s ambitions required. Installation was completed in 2024, and the facility achieved GMP certification in 2025.
The production lines are designed to support generic products such as antidiabetic, cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relief indications. Following GMP certification from local and international regulatory authorities, Beta Pharmacon underwent a rigorous qualification audit to produce a much-needed multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) for both local and global supply. They passed the audit and were approved. This achievement positions the company as one of a small number of USP-verified suppliers for this programme.
“Achieving USP qualification for MMS supply and meeting the stringent qualification requirements is a landmark moment not only for us but also for Indonesian pharmaceutical manufacturing. It demonstrates what is possible when vision is matched with the right technology,” said Astuti Dewi Atmisari, Head of Quality at Beta Pharmacon.
Results and impact
The successful qualification demonstrates BP’s commitment to international manufacturing standards, process reliability, and quality excellence. Although several factors contributed to the achievement — including facility design, operational readiness, and quality systems — the investment in advanced processing technology played an important role in supporting consistent manufacturing performance and regulatory confidence.
Looking ahead
The Beta Pharmacon project shows how strategic investment in advanced pharmaceutical process technology can do more than optimise manufacturing metrics: it can open doors to global health programmes and position an emerging-market manufacturer as a partner of choice for the world’s most demanding supply networks.
For GEA, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to raising pharmaceutical manufacturing standards and helping customers participate in critical healthcare initiatives wherever they are needed. “Beta Pharmacon’s achievement is a powerful example of what world-class process technology can unlock. We are proud to have played a part in supporting their journey to global qualification,” said GEA’s Rimal Patel, Sales Director, Pharma OSD APAC.
