Pfizer's leaders rise to the challenges - Editor's Corner - Brief Article

Food & Drug Packaging, Dec, 2003 by Lisa McTigue Pierce

While posing for pictures on the roof of Pfizer's Manhattan headquarters, Rich Hollander, senior director of packaging services, chatted informally with me and Executive Editor Pan Demetrakakes about the joy of working for the No. 1 pharmaceutical company in the world.

This, as much as all our formal interviews with more than 20 packaging managers during our two-day visit, revealed the company's personality and purpose. Creativity and a nonstop drive for excellence are among the traits these people share--certainly what you'd expect from the market leader.

What made the biggest impression on me, though, was their modesty and candor. Sure, they're all good at their jobs, but they freely admit that they're always learning even better ways of doing what they do. Here's just one example: Each time they added a new packaging line in the Parsippany, N.J., plant for Listerine PocketPaks, they made improvements.

The drug industry is beset with major issues today. They're dealing with drug reimportation, counterfeiting, patent expirations, competition from generics and strict regulations. These and other challenges inspire innovation throughout Pfizer. Yes, the work is demanding, but it also instills a high degree of satisfaction and pride for a job well done.

We, too, are proud to honor Pfizer as our Drug Packager of the Year. The staff of Food & Drug Packaging congratulates the company's packaging professionals for their remarkable accomplishments.

Lisa McTigue Pierce

Editor-in-Chief

lpierce@stagnito.com

Member of the International Packaging Press

Organization (IPPO)