Single-Use Custom Bioreactor Bags
by Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team

Single-Use Custom Bioreactor Bag for Rocking Motion Bioreactors

Looking for a trusted contract manufacturing partner for your single-use custom bioreactor bag for use within a rocking motion bioreactor system? Genesis Plastics Welding can help. 

To ensure precise performance during cell culture and the bioprocessing process, conditions such as temperature, pH and osmotic pressure must be carefully managed, and that all begins with a robust single-use bioreactor bag from a trusted contract manufacturing partner. 

Genesis Plastics Welding is proud to support life science and biopharmaceutical manufacturing across the globe with outsourced manufacture of single-use disposable bioreactor bags.

The move to single-use bioreactor bags has allowed the cell therapy industry:

  • Easier scale-up 
  • Faster turnaround
  • Flexibility
  • Enhanced efficiency
  • Process intensification 
  • Greater productivity 
  • Smaller footprint 

Ins and Outs of Bioreactor Bags

Designed for use with a stirred-tank or rocking bed bioreactor system, bioreactor bags can come in multiple sizes and configurations, depending on the bioreactor type and desired volume. Designed to hold cell culture media, bioreactor bags are produced from multi-layer medical grade plastic films that feature robust high-quality seams, carefully balanced MVTR, flexibility and overall strength. 

Other design and development considerations for custom bioreactor bags, include connectors, supports and system structure. 

Single-Use Bioreactor Bag Raw Material Challenges

Stumped by a raw material challenge for your bioreactor bag? Our engineering team can help there too. The Genesis Plastics Welding engineering team has access to an extensive database of raw materials, and can work with you to select the best material to meet business objectives and accelerate your production process.

Delivering Innovative Cell-Based Treatments 

As demand increases, and the cell therapy industry expands significantly, OEMs will continue to look toward single-use components, standardized processes, automation and new technologies. However, due to the complexity within cell therapy, it will take time. 

As the industry continues to evolve, Genesis stands ready to support biotech OEMs in their endeavors to reduce bottlenecks and deliver innovative cell-based treatments to patients more quickly and safely.

Looking to schedule a consult with our single-use bioprocessing bag team? Email us here.

Download our free 2D and 3D bioprocessing fluid bag development checklist here.

Tom Ryder, Genesis Plastics Welding
by Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team

2022 Biotech, Biopharma and Contract Manufacturing

It has been a rough couple of pandemic years. We’ve seen market changes, disruptions— and even some major advances within Biotech, Biopharma and medical device. Yes, friends, hope springs eternal, and as we continue to navigate this new normal, our team is looking forward to a 2022 filled with new projects, business relationships and exciting trends within Biotech!

Things are Looking Bright for Biotech & Medical Device in 2022

2022 is looking extremely bright for many industries, including Biotech and medical device! Industry experts predict overall revenue growth driven by continued innovation and emerging technologies.

As markets evolve and drive opportunity, it should be a banner year for medical device-focused contract manufacturers, as well. Growth for many Biotech, Biopharma and medical device OEMs is presenting capacity questions – expand or farm out? With ever-narrowing margins and increased competition, strategic outsourcing bridges the gap quickest and most efficiently. Contract manufacturing partners like Genesis Plastics Welding with medical device design, development and production expertise will be key in helping these OEMs hit the ground running in 2022 and beyond.

So what else can start-ups, OEMs, creators and contract manufacturers look forward to in 2022? Well, a few exciting things and a few continued challenges. Let’s unpack the predicted trends.

  • The continuation of global supply chain challenges – especially within plastics and paper. Strong supply chain relationships and proactive inventory management will be key in 2022. Having an agile contract manufacturing partner skilled in the art of pivoting will help keep much-needed medical device products flowing to market.
  • Acceleration and evolution of point-of-care diagnostic devices – especially rapid-response technologies and devices. The development of these types of in-demand devices in 2020 and 2021 is where Biopharma excelled. I believe we’ll continue to see this trend.
  • A rebound of elective procedures and the medical devices that support them – With the current Covid surge and the Omicron variant, these are once again on hold, but I believe it will be short-lived and elective procedures will be back by spring. We are currently seeing an increase in R&D around devices to support surgical procedures, and that is a great sign.
  • Challenges of increased labor costs across all industries – At the core of a collaborative contract manufacturer is a deep desire to serve well and continually reduce costs and improve efficiency. Despite the hurdles of the pandemic and disruptions caused by labor shortages and labor cost increases, I believe the medical device contract manufacturing industry will continue to rebounded and pivot to serve customers and be a lifeline for Biotech, Biopharma and medical device OEMs.
  • Continued integration of artificial intelligence (AI) within medical device – Daily, we become a more and more connected world. We’ll see even more AI within medical device, especially diagnostics and robotic-assisted surgery.

No matter the medical device, Biotech or Biopharma trends, one key to continued success will be a focus on leveraging strong business partnerships to help bring breakthrough life enhancing, healing and life saving devices to market as quickly as possible. At the center, is smart outsourcing—whether you are in the early design and development phases, prototyping and validation or manufacturing, having outsourced expertise, like Genesis Plastics Welding, on your side can move you faster and more competitively into the market.

Did you know we have a dedicated medical device design and development division? Let’s chat.

Moreover, we all have a lot of living to do this year. The GPW team looks forward to thriving and growing together! Cheers!

-Tom Ryder

Over 30 Years of RF Welding and Heat Sealing Solutions
by Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team

7 Fun Facts About Manufacturing Day

Manufacturing Day falls on October 1 this year and it is back in full swing after being completely virtual last fall. Manufacturing Day is a celebration of the people who keep the manufacturing industry running, as well as a day to educate and encourage the manufacturing leaders of the future. Inspiring the youth of today to explore the manufacturing industry starts with opening our doors and showing them the abundance of opportunities we can provide them. Before the day kicks off, take a moment to read 7 fun facts about how Manufacturing Day came to be and how you can get involved.

  1. Manufacturing Day was created in 2012 by the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International.

Manufacturing Day started in 2012 as a way to encourage young adults to consider pursuing careers in the manufacturing industry, as well as it being a day to open company doors to address common misconceptions about the industry. Nine years later, Manufacturing Day is now hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute and is celebrated across North America with a multitude of in-person and virtual programs and events.

Check out the 2021 Manufacturing Day Video: https://youtu.be/XqY4hksJOyc

  1. There are currently 800,000 open jobs in the manufacturing industry.

Along with the abundance of manufacturing companies that are seeking workers today, research from the Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte predicts that there will be around 4 million more open positions by 2030. As the oldest generation of workers starts retiring, the skills gap for new workers is becoming a clear issue, especially with much of manufacturing technology also undergoing a digital transformation.

“Closing that skills gap requires us to inspire, educate and empower the next generation of manufacturing workers—and that’s where Creators Wanted and MFG Day come in. Companies that participate in MFG Day and Creators Wanted are taking strong, tangible steps toward strengthening their workforce and closing the skills gap.” – Manufacturing Institute Executive Director, Carolyn Lee. 

  1. In 2019, more than 325,000 people participated in Manufacturing Day.

Before the world went virtual to combat the coronavirus, Manufacturing Day only hosted in-person events across North America. In 2019, over 3,000 events were hosted across the country and afterward, 72% of participants said they now believe “manufacturing provides an interesting and rewarding career.” This year, there will be double the fun with both COVID-19 safe in-person events and virtual events you can join from the comfort of your home! Find the perfect event for you here: https://www.creatorswanted.org/find-events/

2019 Highlights: https://youtu.be/uyTb4-835RY

  1. Manufacturing Day is now led by the National Association of Manufacturers and the Manufacturing Institute.

The National Association of Manufacturers was founded in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1895 and was one of the main proponents for the creation of the U.S Department of Commerce. They now “work for the success of the more than 12.8 million men and women who make things in America.” Their values are free enterprise, competitiveness, individual liberty and equal opportunity. The Manufacturing Institute is the nonprofit counterpart of the association and their mission is specifically to inspire, educate and empower the manufacturing workforce of today and tomorrow. Their work involves coordinating educational events and programming, such as Manufacturing Day, to help grow the manufacturing community by welcoming emerging workers, women, veterans and students. If you missed Manufacturing Day or just want to keep the celebration going, both organizations have a wide variety of resources and programs that run all year long.

  1. Manufacturing Day is welcome to everyone.

One of the ways the manufacturing industry can help close the skills gap and fill the large number of open positions is by encouraging previously underrepresented people to consider a career in the industry. Women have historically been underrepresented in manufacturing with less than 1 in 3 manufacturing workers being a woman, but they represent a huge pool of untapped talent. The Manufacturing Institute has also made a commitment to support manufacturers in their “efforts to build diverse and inclusive workplaces and strengthen equal opportunity in the United States.” Not only will creating an inclusive workplace benefit workers, but companies that have already instituted DEI policies have had better business performance due to increased productivity and better organization management.

  1. Every day is Manufacturer’s Day with the Creators Wanted campaign.

Although Manufacturer’s Day is sadly only one day out of the year, the Manufacturing Institute works on their Creators Wanted campaign year round as they seek to inspire youth around the country to pursue careers in manufacturing. Creators Wanted is a joint campaign of the National Association of Manufacturers and The Manufacturing Institute, and its goal is to reduce the skills gap in the United States by 600,000 people by 2025, as well as increase the number of students enrolling in technical or vocational school by 25%. Half of the funds they raise through the program go toward creating more educational content and tools and the other half supports initiatives focused on reaching students, women, veterans, workers and underrepresented communities.

  1. Creators Wanted is coming to a city near you.

The Manufacturing Institute knows that some of the best workers in the manufacturing industry are hands-on learners, which is a reason why they are taking their message on the road with a mobile learning experience which highlights modern manufacturing in a way that has never been done before. The 53-foot traveling multi-room vehicle invites teammates in to take on challenges like cracking codes, solving riddles, and busting industry myths. The “Escape Room”-like set up is fun for all ages and shows that there is place for everyone in the manufacturing industry.

Manufacturing is an essential part of the success and prosperity of communities small and large across North America, but the industry faces the pressing problem of needing a new generation of leaders and workers as soon as possible. Manufacturing Day is one part of a bigger plan to dispel misconceptions about the industry and inspire students and workers of all ages to consider a career in manufacturing. Do your part today and be an advocate for careers in manufacturing and consider speaking to someone in your life who you think might have a future in manufacturing.

by Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team

Meet Our Intern: Ethan Steinke

Ethan Steinke’s passion for engineering began his freshman year of high school after several friends recommended that he take a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) class. Now, Ethan works as a collegiate intern with Genesis Plastics Welding creating prototypes of medical crisis equipment. 

Meet Collegiate Biotech Manufacturing Intern Ethan Steinke

Ethan is a sophomore mechatronics major at Purdue Polytechnic Institute in Anderson, Indiana. This past spring, Ethan heard through his university that Genesis was looking for interns. After applying and attending a formal interview, Ethan was accepted into the program where he has worked for almost four months. 

“Interning with Genesis is great,” says Ethan. “It’s very easy to get acclimated there. They’ll let you be hands on, and if you mess up, they accept it. Genesis encourages you to learn from your mistakes and keep going.” 

A typical Genesis workday begins at 8 am. Ethan spends his time either building CAD models or manually assembling medical equipment prototypes in what is called the “Clean Room.” Here, after suiting up in a gown and washing his hands, Ethan builds the parts he has digitally created, using heavy machinery to cut and weld the pieces. This process can take anywhere between three to eight hours depending on the quantity of pieces. 

“It’s hard work, but it’s worth it,” says Ethan. “It’s so cool to see something you make actually come to fruition.”

It often takes teams of three or more engineers to complete a CAD project. As an intern, Ethan collaborates with his team and their supervisor, Nathan Glass. 

“As a supervisor, Nathan makes sure our team is staying on track,” says Ethan. “He shows me how to properly do things so that I can get better. That’s the whole point of an internship; you’re not going to know everything, so the engineers at Genesis try to teach you.”

Throughout his internship thus far, Ethan has learned a variety of technical skills, including how to fabricate pieces using a variety of machines and equipment. In addition to these useful engineering skills, Ethan has adopted the values of hard work and dedication. 

“This internship has taught me basic discipline, such as how to take orders and do things correctly,” says Ethan. “I have also learned about the importance of being open and honest with others.”

Ethan describes Genesis as a place that is inclusive and accepting of inspiring engineers. He is confident that his internship with Genesis will help set him up for future success. 

“I want to be an engineer who helps people and makes sure the job gets done,” says Ethan. “The lessons I’ve learned at Genesis will always help me in the long run.”

Tom Ryder, Genesis Plastics Welding
by Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team Genesis Plastics Welding Marketing Team

[In the News] IMDMC Elects Officers

The Indiana Medical Device Manufacturers Council (IMDMC) has elected four to serve as officers on the Executive Board.

Tom Barnett, Director of Government Affairs for Roche Diagnostics, will serve as Board President. Barnett joined Roche Diagnostics in 2000. Previously he had held various roles in marketing and governmental affairs, including leadership positions at Bristol-Myers Squibb.  

“The medical devices sector is one of Indiana’s largest and most valuable economic assets representing more than 150 companies and employing more than 20,000 people. I look forward to leading IMDMC as we continue to do good work serving as an advocate, connector, and resource for Indiana’s medical device companies,” said Barnett. 

Other officers elected are as follows: Tom Ryder, President and CEO for Genesis Plastics Welding, will serve as Vice President; Troy Linder, Chief Financial Officer for Fort Wayne Metals, will serve as Treasurer; and Anne Hathaway, Executive Director for IMDMC, will serve as Secretary. 

The organization works to promote, educate, and advocate for Indiana’s medical device industry to advance the performance of our member firms and to cultivate a business environment in which member companies can flourish. IMDMC member companies produce the medical devices, diagnostic products and health information systems that are transforming patient care and patient safety. IMDMC members range from the largest to the smallest medical device innovators and companies. For more information, visit www.imdmc.org.