Nipro Pharma aims to create a workplace where every single employee can fulfill their abilities to the maximum, regardless of race, nationality, sex, or age.
Nipro Pharma specializes in contract manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and has rapidly expanded the size of our business. In view of the full-scale development of our global operations, we focus more attention on the promotion of diversity so that both employees and the Company can grow to bring innovation to the organization.
Recruitment
Nipro Pharma changed its direction in a huge move towards global business development, in the wake of the establishment of our Vietnam Plant. In recent years, based on our belief that “Employees are the driving force for company development,” we have proactively recruited non-Japanese employees. Currently, foreign employees from nine countries are playing outstanding roles at our Headquarters and plants. A culture that embraces diversity is blossoming in our workplace, which would result in the growth and development of the organization.
Education and Training
Diversity among employees is a strength in revitalizing the organization and we consider it to be one of the special features of the organization. Currently, our main activities are language and cross-cultural training. We plan to capitalize on the positive effects of inclusion towards strengthening our organization and to engage in further enhancement of training programs.
Promotion and Appointment
Nipro Pharma engages in activities so that women employees and foreign employees can fulfill their abilities to the maximum so that diverse values, ideas, and abilities can be put to optimal effect. In July 2016, the first female Plant Manager in our Company was appointed.
Improvement of Work Environment and Culture
In order to help support a good work-life balance, Nipro Pharma has worked to develop the employment environment in various ways. We established an advice desk in the Administrative Department of each plant and we are engaging in establishing a return-to-work support system during and after childcare leave, rolling out no-overtime days, and devising other initiatives.
In addition , we introduced FISH! Philosophy which you “Try to work cheerfully by having fun at your worksite where you spend a large part of your life,” trying to create a work environment where employees can feel happy about working.
Our Employees
Plant Manager of Kagamiishi Plant
Kazuko Oto
Biography
Graduated from the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Joined a pharmaceutical company and assigned to the Quality Control Office.
After marriage and childbirth, appointed as a leader of the in-vitro diagnostic team of the Manufacturing Department.
Appointed as the Director of Manufacturing Room 3, Director of the Quality Control Office, the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Manager. Then, joined Nipro Pharma.
Appointed as the Director of the Quality Assurance Department, Assistant Plant Manager of Kagamiishi Plant.
Current Work Activities
It is the plant’s mission to provide a stable supply of quality pharmaceuticals. I oversee the entire plant to check every day whether production is performed smoothly or whether there are obstacles, while trying to create a vision of ideal plant conditions from the long-term perspective. In particular, three elements - raw materials, machinery, and man - are the keys to pharmaceutical manufacturing; and it is important to know how well operators control the variable factors of these three in a calm state of mind. I try to pay detailed attention to all corners of the worksite while keeping an eye out for issues and being aware of KY (danger prediction).
Future
Kagamiishi Plant is developing a global supply system not only for Japan, but also for countries all over the world, in compliance with 3-pole GMP. It is Nipro Group’s key plant for manufacturing solid drugs. In recent years, the number of employees has quadrupled over that at the time when the plant was first established, with new facilities constantly being added. In order to respond to market needs without fail, it is our mission to additionally increase the manufacturing capacity of the plant.
Purchasing Department
ZICHU ZHANG
Career
Graduated from Dept. of Chemical and Environmental Engineering
My previous job is to analysis drug substance and gained some experience. I decided to join Nipro Pharma because I wanted to work on final product of pharmaceuticals.
Assigned to Purchasing Department of SCM Supervisory Department
Current work
My main work is to purchase materials of pharmaceuticals stably while reducing the costs. I select a manufacturer that can provide a stable supply and secure the necessary inventory. For risk hedging, we purchase materials from multiple suppliers. Regarding the cost reduction, I endeavor to reduce prices by taking all possible measures such as using the 2nd source and performing centralized purchases taking advantage of the group scale benefits.
Worthwhile
Many raw materials of API(Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) are manufactured in China. In order to solve problems arising from different cultures, I become a bridge between Japan and China and contribute to the stable supply of pharmaceuticals through various adjustments and negotiations. Nipro Pharma has many multinational employees and they are active in various fields. The company is very globalized and it helps me grow.
