ICT Group automates new MSD Animal Health factory

MSD Animal Health (hereafter: MSD AH) is a leading global organization in animal health, specializing in the development of vaccines and pharmaceuticals. The Boxmeer location is the company’s largest global center for production and R&D. ICT Group was asked to integrate a seamlessly functioning process automation system. 

"This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of an entirely new factory and to showcase what we are capable of." Edward van Katwijk, Business Development Executive Life Sciences at ICT Group

MSD AH’s site in Boxmeer is the largest pharmaceutical production facility for animal health products worldwide. A brand-new production plant for veterinary medicines is currently under construction on this site. "We’re constantly expanding in Boxmeer," says Richard de Backer, Deputy Director of Global Engineering Solutions at MSD AH. “The existing, outdated facility no longer met our growing capacity needs. At the same time, the standards for the quality of veterinary pharmaceuticals continue to rise. This new facility will allow us to continue delivering the high-quality products we’re known for, in full compliance with current regulations. Ensuring quality is in our DNA.”

One integrated system for a uniform and efficient production environment

The new facility will house two production lines where veterinary medicines are formulated. This critical process ensures that the medicines are safe, effective, and of consistent high quality. Equipment from six different suppliers will be used within these process lines. MSD AH aims to manage and monitor the entire production process through a unified PCS7 system. “Each equipment supplier uses its own software, which makes it difficult to create a uniform production process,” De Backer explains. “That’s why we brought in ICT Group as the system integrator—to make sure all machines communicate in a consistent way using the same software.”

A trusted partner with in-depth system knowledge and tailored coordination

ICT Group has already gained extensive experience automating existing equipment at MSD AH’s Boxmeer and Oss facilities. According to De Backer, the company stood out thanks to its quality and expertise. “ICT Group has in-depth knowledge of our systems and has been involved from the very beginning, carefully considering our needs and requirements. That level of engagement is crucial. We also need a knowledgeable partner who can coordinate with the equipment suppliers to ensure their software meets the functional requirements of the PCS7 system.”

The equipment suppliers, too, have full confidence in ICT Group’s knowledge and capabilities. “We will be writing the PCS7 software for the majority of the equipment, which is a vital step toward standardization,” says Edward van Katwijk, Business Development Executive Life Sciences at ICT Group. “Our initial out-of-the-box proposal was seen by MSD AH as a fresh perspective on process automation. From there, we shaped the approach together. It’s a rare opportunity to be part of building a brand-new facility from the ground up and to demonstrate the full scope of our expertise. We’re laying the foundation for a completely new OT infrastructure—one we are developing together with MSD AH.”