College of Business professor Dr. Mario Ferrer organized a field trip for his Operations Management class to Riyadh Pharma Factory, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, on Thursday, November 28, and Sunday, December 1, 2024. The trip was attended by 25 female students and 30 male students. Established in 1998 and headquartered in Riyadh, Riyadh Pharma specializes in producing high-quality medicines that cover a broad spectrum of diseases, tailored to meet the healthcare needs of both the region and the GCC at large. The plant consists of four floors, with a total area of 22,000 m², and is located on a 15,000 m² plot in the heart of Riyadh’s Third Industrial Zone. The building houses various departments, including production, laboratories, a training center, an R&D center, a library, IT departments, administrative areas, warehouses, and systems support services.

The goal of the trip was to bridge theoretical knowledge from the classroom with practical insights into production and operations processes. The visit began with a comprehensive orientation session, during which the tour guide provided an in-depth presentation. This presentation explored the company's vision of achieving excellence in the pharmaceutical industry and its mission to help people lead healthier lives by offering value-based, comprehensive pharmaceutical solutions. Additionally, the guide gave an overview of Riyadh Pharma’s operations, focusing on key areas of pharmaceutical manufacturing such as raw material procurement, production line efficiency, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

The goal of the trip was to bridge theoretical knowledge from the classroom with practical insights into production and operations processes. The visit began with a comprehensive orientation session, during which the tour guide provided an in-depth presentation. This presentation explored the company's vision of achieving excellence in the pharmaceutical industry and its mission to help people lead healthier lives by offering value-based, comprehensive pharmaceutical solutions. Additionally, the guide gave an overview of Riyadh Pharma’s operations, focusing on key areas of pharmaceutical manufacturing such as raw material procurement, production line efficiency, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

As a result, the students gained valuable insights into various topics, including the critical role of supply chain management, production planning, and setting KPIs to ensure the timely delivery of raw materials. They also learned about the challenges in maintaining stringent quality standards and the processes required to achieve international certifications like Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Furthermore, students participated in an engaging Q&A session during the orientation, allowing them to ask questions and deepen their understanding of the concepts discussed.

After the orientation, students took part in a guided tour of the manufacturing facility to explore Riyadh Pharma’s state-of-the-art production lines. The tour included visits to several departments, including formulation, packaging, and quality control laboratories. Students were fascinated by the automation technologies implemented to enhance efficiency and minimize human error in the production process. Walking through the Liquids Manufacturing section provided them with a glimpse into specialized cleanrooms and organized production areas, where they observed the strict hygiene protocols followed to maintain the highest safety and cleanliness standards.

In the warehouse, students observed the systematic stacking of pallets and were briefed on the facility’s organized storage and inventory management practices. The students listened attentively to the explanations provided, which further emphasized the educational value of the visit. They were also provided with protective gear, demonstrating the plant’s commitment to safety protocols.

Throughout the visit, students explored the pharmaceutical production process, warehouse operations, and had hands-on experience with packaging. One pharmaceutical student remarked, "Seeing the real-world application of process optimization, automation, quality assurance, and regulatory adherence made the learning experience comprehensible, tangible, and memorable." Abdulaziz Abdulkader.

Overall, the trip provided an invaluable learning experience, offering insights into the operational strategies and innovative technologies used in the pharmaceutical sector. By observing Riyadh Pharma’s production standards and efficient warehousing practices, students were able to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. The visit significantly enhanced their understanding of pharmaceutical operations and inspired many to explore careers in this critical and evolving industry. Riyadh Pharma continues to serve as an excellent benchmark for pharmaceutical manufacturing, making it an ideal destination for educational visits and professional collaborations.