In addition, registration of many of SQUARE’s finished goods in other countries of Asia, Europe, and Africa is now under process.

1.3.1     Partnership and agreement with different world players

1974       : Technical Collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceutical, Belgium, a subsidiary of Johnson &             Johnson International, USA

1982       : Agreement signed with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Switzerland

1999          : Agreement with Bayer AG, Germany

1999          : Agreement with Eisai Co. Ltd., Japan

1999          : Technical know-how transfer to foreign pharmaceutical company

2000       :  Establishment of Square Spinnings Limited.

2001       :  Operation of new factory with a view to get USFDA/MCA approval and production support for      expanding export operations.

2002       :  Establishment of Square – Fashions Limited and Square – Knit fabrics Limited.

2003       :  Turnover crosses Four Billion Taka mark.

Overview of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

2.1                Manufacturing Facilities

SQUARE is committed to ensure strict compliance with CGMP norms and regulatory requirements in every phase of manufacturing, quality assurance, and distribution of medicines. To comply with CGMP SQUARE has state-of-the-art technology in production and quality control. In addition, USFDA/MCA standard new plant is now at the completion stage.

Documented Quality Management System (QMS) is integral part of all of SPL operations. People at all levels are committed to adopt advanced technology for continuous development. Being confident with the sophisticated manufacturing and quality assurance technology of SQUARE, multinationals from industrialized countries now have agreements with Square for having their products manufactured in Bangladesh.

2.2            Product Mix

SQUARE has latest technologies for production of a wide varieties of dosage forms including Tablet, Sustained Release formulation, Capsule, Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI), Injectable, Syrup (liquid and dry), Suspension (liquid and dry), Pediatric Drops, Nasal & Ophthalmic formulations, Topical Gel/Ointment/Cream, and oral care formulations.

Current product mix of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. comprised of products from the following types of Drug Delivery Systems:

• Tablets
  • Non-coated (Vaginal, Dispersible, Chewable, Plain)
  • Coated (Sugar coated, Film coated, Enteric coated)
  • Sustained released (coated/non-coated)
  • Capsules
  • Injectables
    • Vials containing dry powder for injections
    • Small volume parenterals
    • Liquids
      • Oral (suspension, syrup, drops, and stomatologicals)
      • Topical solutions
      • Nasal drops
    • Dry powders
      • Oral (for reconstitution to make suspension, syrup and drops)
      • Topical
    • Semisolids (creams, ointments and gels)
    • Solid suppository formulations
    • Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs)
    • Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)
    • Sterile Ophthalmic Formulations (drops)

Therapeutic Range (Formulation)

2.3    Quality

SQUARE is committed to ensure better life through quality medicine. SPL has defined its Quality Policy to fulfill this commitment. To achieve and maintain a steady quality, a range of sophisticated state-of-the-art technology is engaged in operation. SQUARE has adopted the latest quality philosophy by organizing a well-equipped Quality Assurance Department in the plant in addition to Quality Control Department. Above all highly qualified, well-trained, experienced and dedicated professionals are most valuable assets of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

2.4    Research and Development

SPL’s Research and Development is devoted to improve the health care facility of people. Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has brought in advanced technology for its Research and Development works. Research & Development includes the bibliographic search aided by a resourceful library, design and selection of process that maximizes efficiency and minimizes the environmental impact, accelerated and long term stability testing, product quality optimization and translation of new scientific insights into the products. R&D Department is also devoted to extensive research and development work in synthesizing bulk chemicals for Chemicals Division. Having started as an importer of technology, R&D Dept. from 1999 has started to export technology to SQUARE’s global customers. To support Research and Development work latest Information Technology (IT) is available with us and SQUARE is now fully prepared to meet the challenge of twenty-first century.

2.5    Chemicals Division for Bulk Drug Manufacturing

In 1995, SQUARE has established a separate division for the manufacturing of bulk drugs. Currently this division is producing the following bulk chemicals for the domestic pharmaceutical companies:

Paracetamol BP/USP

Diclofenac sodium BP

Diclofenac free acid INN

Diclofenac diethylamine

Diclofenac potassium INN

Flucloxacillin sodium BP

Amoxicillin trihydrate BP/USP (compacted and micronized)

Cloxacillin sodium BP/USP (compacted and micronized)

Ampicillin trihydrate BP/USP (compacted and micronized)

Cephalexin monohydrate BP/USP (compacted and micronized)

2.6    Distribution Network

SQUARE is committed to ensure better life through quality medicine. The ultimate motto is to ensure customer satisfaction by exceeding their level of expectations. SPL has 14 Sales and Distribution offices in the following places in Bangladesh:

The extensive marketing network comprising of latest technical and logistic support along with 887 skilled and qualified field staffs is a key to succeed in achieving customer satisfaction level beyond their expectation. The modern warehousing and completely computerized invoicing facilities of SQUARE ensures just-in-time delivery and high customers’ satisfaction.

Resources

2.7    New Plant of SPL

SQUARE is now on it’s way to becoming a high performance global company. To this end SQUARE has built a new plant that went into operations by the end of 2001. This plant is the first of its kind in Bangladesh with its MCA of UK and USFDA standard manufacturing and quality assurance facilities.

The implementation of Pharma Unit at Dhaka (Kaliakoir) is carried out under the supervision of M/s. Tanvec Ltd. of UK. In view of the complex and complicated design and high quality standard required for USFDA/EU/MCA specifications the progress of implementation has to be slower. It may be noted that during the year under review total investment increased by Tk. 463,667,368 from Tk. 317,321,566 as on 31-03-98 to 780,988,934 as on 31-03-99 on various heads as shown below:

Square Dhaka Unit Project work was started from October 1996. After technical review and in the best interest of the project in order to achieve quality work as State-of-the-art facility to meet the requirement of the USFDA/MCA Good Manufacturing Practice the original project completion schedule had to be extended.

The Dhaka Unit New Pharmaceuticals Production Facility at Kaliakoir is one of its kind in the country to face the challenge of free world market in the beginning of new millennium.

The State-of-Art Facility incorporated certain basic requirement in the area of Purified Water System. Floor Construction, HVAC System Process Equipment and Validation/ Qualification Documentation as stipulated by USA, EU and other developed countries.

2.8    Export market

In an effort to expand the market for the pharmaceutical products beyond the border, the company has been successful in exporting to several countries at an increasing ratio of its turnover as indicated below:

Taka in ‘000)

The company has so far been able to enter into the markets of Russia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, and Cambodia. It is expected that after the Dhaka Unit goes into production the company will succeed in entering the markets of developed countries with expanded share of exports.

2.9    Corporate Financial Highlights

Head                                                                                       Amount                                                                                

Authorized Capital                                                                Tk. 1000 Million

Issued, Subscribed and Paid-up Capital                          Tk. 496.8 Million

Reserve/Surplus (Retained Earnings)                              Tk. 872 Million

Share Premium                                                                     Tk. 800 Million

Long Term Loan                                                                   Tk. 210 Million

2.10Marketing Performance

2.10.1       Product

Square’s product is viewed among the most quality products in the country. This quality image has increased its credibility among the doctors. It is also pioneer in introducing many new products sought by the doctors. Introducing new products is one of the important objectives of the company. But there are some complaints regarding packaging of the products. But the company has now concentrated in this area and working hard to bring attractive and good packaging

2.10.2       Pricing

Government fixes Price of most of the essential drugs. The number is 118 products. The company can fix price of other products but needs to take approval of government. In pricing a product, Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. usually follows target pricing. Premium prices cannot be charged, as all the competitor products are similar and not much distinguishable from each other. But prices of some products are still higher than the competitors. But since Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. does not compromise with the quality, sometimes they have to charge higher to ensure the highest quality possible.

2.10.3       Promotion

Personal selling is the main weapon in pharmaceutical industry. Medical representatives of the company go to the doctors to promote the products. The quality of medical reps is assumed to be the best in Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. They are selected after a careful scrutiny and are sent to market after some extensive training. This helps Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. to maintain the quality of its medical reps. Advertising can be given only in magazines related to health profession. Square also utilizes every opportunity to explore this area

2.10.4       Distribution

Square distributes its products all over the country using its own distribution channel. It has a large number of vehicles and sales depots to ensure coverage of the whole country. Its coverage is the best in the country.

Corporate Profile of SQUARE

Although Square started its operation in pharmaceutical sector and leader in the field, it is today a synonym of quality toiletries, health products, textile products and AgroVet products. It has also expanded its business in real estate, engineering construction, hospitals, electronic media and other trade & services. SQUARE is now one of the fastest growing and fastest diversifying conglomerate in Bangladesh.

3.1                Square Family

Square family is currently comprised of following companies:

3.2                Associated Companies

As part of vast diversification, SQUARE has the following associated companies:

3.3                Corporate Headquarters:

Corporate Headquarters of SQUARE is now located at the following address:

SQUARE CENTRE’

48, Mohakhali Commercial Area, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Tel. : (880)-2-8827729 (10 lines); Fax : (880)-2-8828608, 8828609

Email: square@bangla.net, Web: http://www.square-bd.com

3.4                Board of Directors

3.5                Human resources

In its efforts for human resources development in all spheres of its activities the company offered various courses of training. The company conducted in-house courses of different duration for upgrading skill of 395 employees during the financial year of 1998-1999. 22 employees were sent to various local institutes for training on different topics, 7 employees were sent abroad for training/attending seminars/symposiums on various subjects including general management, 3 expatriates were also invited for holding various discussion forums for officers/staff of the company.

The Breakdown of HR

The Supervision Ratio

3.6            Activities of Key Functional Departments in SPL

As per the latest organogram SPL had 20 (twenty) functional departments for its operation. The names of the departments are as follows:

1. Information Technology (IT) Department
2. Medical Services Department (MSD)
3. Product Management Department (PMD)
4. Sales Department
5. Distribution Department
6. International Marketing Department
7. Market Research and Planning Cell
8. Quality Management and Audit Dept.
9. Production Planning and Inventory Cell
10. Engineering Department
11. Production Department
12. Commercial Department
13. Personnel and Administration Department
14. Technical Services Department
15. Human Resource Training and Development Department
16. Quality Control Department
17. Quality Assurance Department
18. AgroVet Department
19. Accounts and Finance Department
20. Accounts (New Venture) Department

Organizational Structure

The following departments manage domestic marketing operation:

1. Product Management Department (PMD)
2. Sales Department
3. Medical Services Department (MSD)
4. Distribution Department
5. Market Research and Planning Cell

The following paragraphs describe the key functions of the above-mentioned Departments:

Information Technology (IT) Department

The main functions of IT Department are as follows:

1. Provide computer and other related accessories supports to all the user
2. Maintenance of server and ensure smooth LAN operation
3. Provide up to date technical and software support to all the sectors of SQUARE
4. Development and maintenance of centralized databases and provide routine and ad hoc reports for management decision making.

Medical Services Department (MSD)

The main functions of MSD are as follows:

Arranging clinical meeting with the physicians on different products

Provide answers to different queries of the physicians through mail or telephone

Arranging education programs for the rural medical practitioners

Publishing of medical journals

Arranging of special promotional campaign of different products

Product Management Department (PMD)

PMD is the core and centralized department for managing the total marketing effort. Basically PMD performs the all planning, implementation of plans as part of marketing management functions. The two key functions of PMD are as follows:

1. Introduction of new product into the market
2. Manage the existing portfolio to achieve the marketing objectives.

To this end PMD undertakes all relevant activities including the following:

1. Preparation of Marketing Plan.
2. Designing and development of promotional materials
3. Training of field forces
4. Feasibility study of new products
5. Management of regulatory affairs with Drugs Administration
6. Preparation of printed promotional material (literature/pad/brochure/show card etc.).
7. All relevant coordination works with supplier/factory and procurement department concerning machinery and raw materials that will be used to manufacture the concerned brands.

Sales Department

1. Pay regular visit to the doctors; show the benefits of new existing products with the help of promotional tools.
2. Monitor the competitors’ activities.
3. Handles initial product queries from doctors and product complain from the market.
4. Receive sales order from the retailers /drug stores.
5. Coordination among different markets
6. Market rearrangement
7. Handling different problems of field forces

Distribution Department

Ensure smooth distribution of products to all over the country

Collection of payments from the customers

Performs functions as the representative of SPL at the depot level.

Maintenance of vehicles and depots

International Marketing Department

Exploration of new markets all over the world

Operating of export business in the different countries

Provide training to field forces in overseas countries

Provide all types of documents for registration of SPL’s products in overseas countries.

 Market Research and Planning Cell

Performing market survey on the Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Market

Regular prescription share analysis and report generation for SPL market share analysis.

Performing different market research work on different issues

Provide all kinds of support to Field Colleagues in effective planning in the market level.

Quality Management and Audit

Ensure the practices of Quality Management System (QMS) at every stage of operations of SPL in full compliance with ISO 9001.

To monitor the activities to ensure compliance with defined quality policy at every stage of business.

Develop process and instructions for continuous development of operations to increase productivity.

Production Planning and Inventory Cell (PPIC)

Prepare the monthly production schedule of different products

Maintain the inventory status of different raw materials and packaging materials

Technical Services Department (TSD)

1. Provide technical support to QC, QA, Production and other departments with regards to any kind of technical issues.
2. To procure new Raw Material and production and quality facilities in coordination with Commercial Dept.
3. Development of formulation of new products
4. Selection of machinery and equipment including spare parts.
5. Coordination and follow-up of the designing and implementation of the Master Plan of the factory. All matters related to development of factory facilities.
6. Handling various forms of product complaints from market, field forces, and different departments.
7. Recipe development and necessary changes in formulations, product improvement.

4.1          Corporate financial highlights

As on March 31, 2006 the corporate financial position of SQUARE was as follows:

4.2          Corporate operational results

The following three years financial data proves that SPL is operating through maximizing the shareholders’ benefits.

(Figures in thousands)      

4.3          Output/Capacity utilization

The actual production of the various categories of products (except inhalers) including chemicals increased substantially leading to higher capacity utilization as summarized below:

The capacity utilization rate in some areas of production decreased due to strategic changes in favor of increased production of higher value added products in each category resulting in higher turnover in value. 

4.4          Dhaka Expansion

Despite numerous oddities and complex artifices usually associated with a state-of-art plant, the management is in the final phase of implementation of the project with the planning, supervisory and technical support form the consultants e.g. M/s Bovis Lendles and Tanvec of UK and KUPPA collaboration of Thailand, though the target of commissioning had to be revise / shifted a few times in the past. It may be appreciated that the project in hand is only of its kind in the region with USFDA and EU pharmaceutical manufacturing standards requiring highly rigid and unquestionable quality of materials, workmanship, and performance. The process of implementation has often suffered from various hazards of communication, transports, movements and planned accomplishments was not achieved fully due to malfunctioning of ports, airports, airlines, shipping services, etc. Due to carious reasons as are rampant in the country since the project was taken in hand. Considering all these factors and the technical complexities of such a project as well as non-availability of requir5ed man-machine-material in Bangladesh, the delay in implementation of the project would not be termed unusual and abnormal. It may also be mentioned that the consultants also had often failed to identify and consider every possible situation in Bangladesh. In spite of these the unit is scheduled to start functioning by end 2001.

During the year 2005-2006, an amount of Tk. 807,016,104 has been invested on various heads as detailed below:

The remaining implementation work is expected to be now completed by end of 2004 at an estimated final cost of Tk. 1,830 million and commence production thereafter.

Square Dhaka Unit Project work was started from October 1996, which completed by end of March 2000. After technical review and in the best interest of the project in order to achieve quality work as State-of-the-art facility to meet the requirement of the USFDA/MCA Good Manufacturing Practice the original project completion schedule had to be extended.

The Dhaka Unit New Pharmaceuticals Production Facility at Kaliakoir is going to be one of its kind in the country to face the challenge of free world market in the beginning of new millennium.

The State-of-Art Facility incorporated certain basic requirement in the area of Purified Water System. Floor Construction, HVAC System Process Equipment and Validation/ Qualification Documentation as stipulated by USA, EU and other developed countries.

4.5          Export market

The company’s export drive is being continued with great stress. However, there are number of problems in exports of medicines from Bangladesh. As a result, the value of exports in Taka declined by 9.1%. To counter this in future, registration process of products for export purposes has been initiated in few more countries. The company expects to make a break through in exports when the Dhaka Unit is commissioned.

(Taka in ‘000) 

The company has so far been able to enter into the markets of Russia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, Combodia. It is expected that after the Dhaka Unit goes into production the company will succeed in entering the markets of developed countries with expanded share of exports.

4.6          Financial results

The operating financial results of the company for the year under report as compared to the previous year are as follows:

4.7          Concluding comments

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has a very good working environment where the employees get enough opportunity to show their ability and creativeness. Its communication channel is superb. Informal channel of communication is very active. Many interdepartmental issues are solved in informal meetings, often over a cup of tea. Introduction of LAN has smoothened the process.

Every member of Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. feels like he or she is a member of the Square family. This family feeling is a big asset for this company. Most of the employees are dedicated and motivated to work. Since good performance is always highlighted and creative ideas welcomed people are eager to contribute their best.

Square Pharmaceuticals Ltd. believes in honesty in every phase of business. The management promotes this idea to its workers. The image of the company is also good all over the country. Customers all over the country recognize Square as a quality company and an honest company.