Q&A with Steve Strickland, Sensient

Q&A with Steve Strickland, general manager of Sensient Pharmaceutical Coating Systems

PharmTech:

What is the biggest industry challenge you're now facing?

Strickland:

A major challenge is maintaining continuous scientific innovation to meet the product demands of our customers. We are constantly looking for opportunities to expand our technical expertise and service either through internal development or acquisition.

I think that the consolidation within the pharmaceutical industry we serve will continue to play a role in our growth. Consolidation often brings personnel change, accompanied by shifts in the direction of research and development. We need to evolve along with our customers based on their changing needs.

PharmTech:

How do you stay abreast of new developments in the industry?

Strickland:

Our primary method of staying on top of industry developments is listening to our customers. Also, trade shows and trade publications are an excellent source of emerging industry trends, and we'll continue to rely on them.

PharmTech:

Do you see a new industry trend emerging?

Strickland:

Yes, the trend toward globalization of our industry continues to gain momentum. For example, the emergence of global markets, the multinational presence of pharmaceutical companies, and the location of manufacturing sites around the world demand an increased knowledge of the accompanying regulatory requirements.

PharmTech:

What is the most common demand your clients are currently making of you?

Strickland:

They demand high product quality. In an industry that is constantly under scrutiny, our customers demand excellence in the quality and performance of our products.