Partnering with Cremer, Laid Foundation for Future Merger
Big hair and skinny jeans were all the rage while NJM Packaging continued to develop new pharmaceutical packaging products. The 1980s finished strong with a partnership resulting in new equipment, and the 1990s brought four new packaging machines and laid the groundwork for a future merger.
Two machines emerged from the early 1980s: The Strip-Stik, patented in 1983, for pre-folded literature, and the punch hole verification system to prevent the wrong label from being applied to products, patented in 1982. The first Strip-Stik was sold to Pfizer, Inc. in Brooklyn in 1981. Ahead of its time, NJM’s pharmaceutical packaging machines were ready for the ePedigree Serialization/Track & Trace that has already been in effect in California since January 1. This Serialization process will become law nationwide by January 2016.
Meanwhile, Charles Lapierre (CLI), which would merge with NJM in the 1990s, ended the 1980s on a high note with its 1987 partnership with Netherlands-based Cremer. The Cremer Tablet Counter Partnership resulted in the Model 1230, 12-track tablet counting machine for solid dose packaging. The first tablet counting machine in an integrated packaging line was sold to Jamieson Laboratories in Ontario, Canada. This partnership would be an important part of the merger to come.
The 1990s also brought three new pharmaceutical labeling machines into the NJM fold:
- 1990 introduced the Pegasus PS labeler, a continuous motion labeler runing over 400 cpm
- 1991 debuted the stepper motor-driven Model 326 AutoColt II labeler
- 1993 brought the Model 334 Charger, which offers a wide range of configurations for multiple needs.
In 1993, ownership of NJM changed hands when the Swiss company SIG sold NJM to Schaefer & Associates. NJM also expanded its Lebanon, NH manufacturing plant, with building additions in 1978 and 1985. In addition to these expansions, NJM was laying the groundwork for a very big merger that would offer its pharmaceutical industry customers a new 12-track tablet counting machine.
NJM continued to place value on its employees. The dedication of its people powered its success, and many employees enjoyed long tenures at NJM, helping to improve its products and create a great work environment. Past President Linc Jepson is quoted as saying: “NJM Packaging is where it is today because we listened to what the customers wanted and needed. We created it and supported it with the best employees and service technicians in the industry. We are not stopping now!”
Until next month, read more about our 100-Year history.