(NORWALK, Conn., October 4, 2011) – INTERPHEX Puerto Rico, consisting of INTREPHEX Puerto Rico, Medical Device Puerto Rico, Buildings Puerto Rico and the Latin American Supply Chain Expo, has contributed over $3.9 million in economic activity on the island since 2006. In order to further promote growth of the island’s economy, INTERPHEX Puerto Rico will showcase best practices, case studies and success stories from the Life Sciences manufacturing industry at the 2011 Show being held this October 20-21, 2011 at the San Juan Convention Center.
“Since the beginning of INTERPHEX Puerto Rico, we have strived to highlight the best of the Life Sciences manufacturing industry happening right on the island,” said Bob Stewart, Vice President, INTERPHEX Events. “In 2011 and beyond we hope to continue bringing the major players together to figure out how to progress with the shifting landscape of the industry.”
The shifting industry in Puerto Rico is necessitating the need to transition the manufacturing activity from final site manufacturing to research and product development. It is also pushing manufacturers to refocus their core business to the front end of the cycle. INTERPHEX Puerto Rico will play a catalyst role in bringing US and global resources to the island and will help with the retraining of Puerto Rico’s highly skilled work force through education and conferences.
“INDUNIV se siente afortunado de ser parte del desarrollo del evento mas grande en Puerto Rico y Latin America para el sector de las farmacéutica, biotecnología y dispositivos médicos,” said Ivan Lugo, Executive Director of INDUNIV. “INTERPHEX Puerto Rico sirve de plataforma para proveer a nuestra industria la oportunidad de crecer su cadena de suministros de tecnologías, bienes y servicios necesario para nuestra competitividad. Este evento también provee la oportunidad de establecer redes y trasferir conocimiento en mejores practicas lo cual tiene un valor incalculable en elevar el nivel de competencias de nuestros profesionales. Esperamos que todo el personal que trabaja directamente e indirectamente participe de este único evento para nuestra industria.”
Life Sciences manufacturing is the number one industry in Puerto Rico, accounting for 55.5% of the GDP. The manufacturing sector of Puerto Rico consists of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, machinery, electronics, apparel, food products, instrument, textiles and clothing. INTERPHEX Puerto Rico will have buyers with $38 million worth of open projects, in construction, engineering, medical device, and pharmaceuticals, sourcing on the show floor.
“The government of Puerto Rico is taking the necessary steps to strengthen our industry base while building an adequate infrastructure to attract research and product development. Our partnership with INTERPHEX has been of great value as it provides a platform of collaboration and innovation among all key players in the life sciences industry while positioning our island as global supplier in the healthcare business,” said Jose R. Perez-Riera, secretary of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce of Puerto Rico.
MEDICAL DEVICE Puerto Rico will bring opportunities in the field of high-tech precision medical device manufacturing to the Show Floor at INTERPHEX Puerto Rico. Over 100 leading industry suppliers will provide real-world solutions for manufacturers looking to improve their business.
"During the last couple of years, the medical devices sector has being the strongest sector of the life sciences industry in Puerto Rico. Several companies have expanded operations and employment has increased marginally,” said Nelson Perea, Executive Director, Puerto Rico Techno Economic Corridor, Inc. (PRTEC). “The Medical Devices Cluster aware of the ever increasing challenges for the industry has adopted innovation as its strategic focus as a group. As a result more companies are working in projects related to process and product development to maintain and increase the sector's competitiveness."
Over the past several years, Puerto Rico’s economy has been harder hit than the US mainland. As blockbuster drugs come off patent, the Puerto Rico Life Sciences manufacturing community struggles to shift their focus from production to development and innovation. INTERPHEX Puerto Rico has partnered with the Latin American Supply Chain Expo to bring buyers and suppliers together to learn new business models and develop business relations.
“The Multi-Sector Alliance of Buyers and Suppliers reasserts the need of the private sector taking a hands-on approach towards our current economic situation. We have been continuously searching for mechanisms to move forward our mission: to transform the region into the import/export hub of the Americas. We do this by increasing Puerto Rico’s competitiveness, which in return brings more investment capital, new business models and therefore the creation of new jobs. We partner once more with INTERPHEX Puerto Rico to bring the most complete and robust business platform in supply chain,” said Juan Carle VP of the Multi-Sector Alliance of Buyers and Suppliers.
Partnering with INTERPHEX Puerto Rico for the first time will be the Technology Trust who aims to promote technology, people, resources and ideas. They will be in a dedicated pavilion on the Show floor promoting local investors, entrepreneurs and other professionals across the life sciences, alternative energy, agriculture and IT industries.
“We hope to accelerate the technology commercialization process in Puerto Rico with the dedicated Innovation Pavilion on the Show floor at INTERPHEX Puerto Rico,” said Eric Cornavaca, Director, Puerto Rico Science, Technology & Research Trust. “Investors, entrepreneurs and other professionals across the life sciences, alternative energy, agriculture, and IT industries will be interacting and creating innovative business opportunities.”
About INTERPHEX Puerto Rico
INTERPHEX Puerto Rico is the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical/biotech and medical device industries respected source of innovation, education, and professional advancement for a globally important center of drug and device manufacturing, from process development through delivery to market. The event hosts more than 200 exhibitors and 5,400 industry professionals. Its sponsors include INDUNIV, ISPE and the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association, and its Advisory Board includes members from Novartis, CooperVision, Pfizer, Roche Diagnostics, Lilly del Caribe, Stryker, Medtronic, Jacobs, PR Tec, MediSearch, ISPE Puerto Rico Chapter, PRMA, PRIDCO and INDUNIV.
About INTERPHEX
INTERPHEX USA is the world’s most trusted source for leading-edge technology, education, and sourcing of the products and services that drive scientific innovation for Life Sciences manufacturing. INTERPHEX is produced by Reed Exhibitions, delivering influential leaders in life sciences through unique combinations of conference, exhibition, workshops, partnering opportunities, and networking events.
Reed Exhibitions produces INTERPHEX and manages more than 450 trade events annually worldwide. It is a member of the Reed Elsevier Group plc, a world-leading provider of information-driven services and solutions. For information, visit www.INTERPHEXPuertoRico.com and follow on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter (@INTERPHEX).