Orchid Chemicals

Introduction:

Orchid was promoted in 1992 as a 100% export oriented unit (EOU) for manufacture of Cephalosporin antibiotic. It is a leading global player in oral cephalosporin bulk drugs. The company is increasing its presence in next generation sterile cephalosporin drugs, which are going off patent in near future, and forward integrating into formulations. Since its inception Orchid has rapidly increased capacity from single product to multi product facility from 90 tons in 1993 to 650 tons in 1999. The company has manufacturing facility at Chennai, TamilNadu.
Orchid is aggressively entering into the domestic formulations market through its new division - Orchid Healthcare. In year 2000 orchid plans to launch several new formulation in the area of nutraceuticals, osteoporosis, anti-virals, anti-ulcerants and cardiovascular diseases. Orchid is planning to raise Rs 1.75 bn through private placement with Schroder Venture which will be used to finance the expansion cum diversification process.
The company already markets its products in 26 countries covering areas as diverse as Far East, South East Asia, Europe, Middle East and Latin America. It is now poised to enter Russia & CIS, Africa, Iran and US.
Under patent drugs are exported to developing nations where there is recognition to process patents. Once the drug goes off patent it is also exported to developed nations.

Major line of Business:

Orchid is a leading global player in oral cephalosporin antibiotic bulk drugs. The company is planning to enter in domestic formulations business.

Select Products and Services:

Orchid manufactures oral cephalosporins namely Cephalexin and Cephadine, their key intermediates and sterile cephalosporins. The company's formulation brands consist of tax-o-bid (sterile cefotaxime injection), Cefogram (sterile ceftriaxone injection), Orzid (sterile ceftazidime injection), Orchidol (tramadol tablets and injection) etc. In past six months Orchid introduced four new products. The company has plans to introduce 8 new formulation in the next 4 months.
Orchid's formulation in international market include cephalexin (with a global market share of 15%), cefixime, cefdroxil, tramadol in oral dosage forms. In sterile dosage forms Orchid's products include ceftriazone, cefotaxime, cefoperazone, tramadol, amikacin etc.

Key Differentiating Factors:

Leading global player in oral cephalosporin antibiotic
Covers markets extensively and as diverse as from Asia, Europe to Latin America.

Financial Statistics:

NA

Personnel Highlights:

NA

Opportunities:

The opportunities for Indian MBAs exist in sales and marketing.

Contact:

The General Manager - Human Resources

Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
1, 1st Floor, Crown Court, 34 Cathedral Road, Chennai 600 086. India.

E-Mail: orchid@giasmd01.vsnl.net.in