Bosch Packaging Pharmaceutical Launches SmartWallet System into US Markets at Pack Expo 2006

• New and fully functional CUT130SW SmartWallet line at Pack Expo 2006
• Smaller footprint of machine makes wallet packaging cost-effective
• Production speed up to 300 wallets per minute

At Pack Expo Chicago (booth S-712), The Pharmaceutical Companies of Bosch Packaging Technology will formally launch its new SmartWallet system into the U.S. market. SmartWallet offers pharmaceutical manufacturers a wallet solution that is convenient, easy to use, tamper evident, reclosable, and cost-effective. In addition, the equipment required to create SmartWallet, the CUT130SW, has a minimal footprint and requires a smaller overall investment in comparison to conventional wallet packing machines.

The key to SmartWallet’s efficiency is the pre-glued outer sleeve of the wallet, which can be erected and loaded with the blister on a conventional cartoning machine. The blister, optionally with an additional paperboard card, is glued into the outer sleeve by means of lateral holding flaps. Leaflets or booklets with further patient guidance can be pre-configured in the outer sleeve, introduced into the wallet during packing, or be integrated into the outer packaging.

“Wallet style packs for pharmaceuticals offer many benefits to pharmaceutical producers and patients, and this new solution broadens the scope of applications possible in the marketplace,” said Jeff Jackson, Director of Product Management and Marketing at Bosch Packaging Pharmaceuticals U.S. “With SmartWallet, production investment is similar to conventional folding boxes which makes wallet packaging a more economically feasible packaging option for more products and can become an important differentiator in this competitive market.”

SmartWallet CUT130SW cartoning machines can also be built to produce both wallets and conventional folding boxes. The system is capable of production speeds of up to 100 wallets per minute, however continuous motion wallet cartoners offer production speeds of 300 wallets per minute for higher volume applications. This is ideal for a dual strategy of production allowing better utilization of the line, particularly if only a smaller part of the production volume is in a wallet.

In addition to presenting new technologies, Bosch experts will be available to answer questions and provide perspectives on technology and trends that impact pharmaceutical business worldwide.

Bosch Packaging Technology will be participating at the Pack Expo International 2006, taking place in Chicago between October, 29th and November, 2nd. Bosch Packaging Technology will be represented at the event by its companies, Bosch Packaging Technology Pharmaceuticals, Doboy Inc., Makat, Robert Bosch Corp. Bridgman, Sigpack Systems, and Togum.

The Bosch Group is a leading global manufacturer of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology. In fiscal 2005, some 251,000 associates generated sales of 41.5 billion euros. Set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861- 1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering,” the Bosch Group today comprises a manufacturing, sales, and after-sales service network of more than 280 subsidiaries and more than 12,000 Bosch service centers in over 140 countries.

The special ownership structure of the Bosch Group guarantees its financial independence and entrepreneurial freedom. It makes it possible for the company to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future, as well as to do justice to its social responsibility in a manner reflective of the spirit and will of its founder. A total of 92 % of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by the charitable foundation Robert Bosch Stiftung. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG.

Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.