Making it in Manufacturing – Details, episodes & analysis

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Making it in Manufacturing

ARTO Talent

Business

Science

Health & Fitness

Frequency: 1 episode/12d. Total Eps: 27

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Hosted by Thomas McMann, Making It In Manufacturing is ARTO's new in-person podcast series, spotlighting the leaders shaping the future of manufacturing, engineering and CDMOs in Life Sciences.

Each episode dives into the careers, decisions, and defining moments of industry mainstays - revealing the stories and insights behind real-world impact within the life science manufacturing and CDMO space.

If you're a leader in the space - or aspiring to be - this podcast is a must watch. The series is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and all major platforms.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - careers
28/04/2026
#82
🇫🇷 France - careers
20/03/2026
#85
🇫🇷 France - careers
02/02/2026
#90
🇫🇷 France - careers
30/12/2025
#74

Spotify

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent
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https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent/?viewAsMember=true
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Score global : 63%

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Scaling a Legacy CDMO: Inside Pyramid Pharma’s Fill-Finish Expansion

Season 2 · Episode 11

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 • Duration 07:59

The CDMO everyone’s suddenly talking about, and the CEO taking it to the next level.

This week, in another episode of the Making It in Manufacturing Spotlight Series, hosted by Thomas McMann, we sit down with Dirk T. Lange, CEO at Pyramid Pharma Services. With 30 years of experience across drug-substance and drug-product CDMOs, global operations, outsourcing leadership, and life-science services, spanning Rentschler, KBI Biopharma, Novartis, Sandoz, and more, Dirk brings a rare dual-lens perspective from both the provider and sponsor side.

In this episode, Dirk covers:

- A full overview of Pyramid Pharma Services, a 37-year-old CDMO with an exceptionally broad drug-product offering from clinical to commercial supply.

- Key data behind Pyramid’s under-the-radar growth, including 15 successful FDA inspections, a strong legacy of quality, and decades of organic expansion driven by long-term customer partnerships.

- Why they’re doubling their fill–finish capabilities, including the strategic drivers, client demand, and the transition from clinical-scale to high-speed commercial lines.

- The operational realities of scaling, from maintaining culture to onboarding new teams, strengthening processes, and preserving execution excellence during rapid growth.

- How Pyramid positions itself as an enabler in the supply chain, supporting customers from early development through long-term commercial supply.

Be sure to check out this episode, a deep dive into what it really takes to scale a legacy CDMO while protecting quality, culture, and customer trust.

To listen to (or watch) the full episode, search "Making it in Manufacturing Pyramid Pharma" on your preferred streaming platform, or click on the first link in the comments below.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575

Website: https://arto-talent.com

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@life_sciences

Dirk T. Lange

CEO at Pyramid Pharma Services

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/langedirk/

Thomas McMann

Director - Contracts Division

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-mcmann-05540a10b/

Timestamps:

00:11 Pyramid Overview

01:41 Key Data

03:46 Doubling Fill Finish Capabilities

05:38 Growth Challenges

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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$45M Expansion: What’s Next for Argonaut’s Aseptic Manufacturing Capabilities

Season 2 · Episode 10

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • Duration 14:16

In this episode of the Making It in Manufacturing Spotlight Series, we sit down with Raj Puri, Chief Commercial Officer at Argonaut Manufacturing Services.

With over 12 months in the CCO role and extensive experience across the CDMO space, Raj brings insight from leading business development, project management, and commercial strategy across both life science/diagnostics and aseptic drug-product services.

In this episode, Raj covers:

- Why Argonaut chooses to support “N of 1” programmes, and the cultural impact of delivering life-saving therapies for single-patient treatments.

- The operational challenges of ultra-high-value API filling, and how Argonaut minimises line losses for rare-disease therapies.

- The company’s evolution, from diagnostics to becoming a major player in small- to mid-scale aseptic drug-product manufacturing.

- How Argonaut’s new $45M facility and commercial-scale filling line will transform output, enable prefilled syringes/cartridges, and support global demand.

- The realities of scaling a CDMO, including hiring, maintaining culture, preparing for FDA pre-approval inspection, and setting long-term strategy for future capabilities.

Be sure to check out this episode to hear Raj’s candid take on growth, culture, and the future of drug-product manufacturing.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575

Hilary Mills-Baker: Championing Quality and Innovation in Life Sciences Automation

Season 1 · Episode 1

Thursday, June 12, 2025 • Duration 35:24

In this episode, we feature Hilary Mills-Baker, a distinguished expert in process automation and computer systems validation within the life sciences sector:

Hilary serves as the Chair of the UK GAMP Community of Practice, where she leads initiatives to advance good automated manufacturing practices in the pharmaceutical industry, and was previously the European Quality and Validation Manager at Emerson Automation Solutions.
35+ years in process automation engineering and more than 20 years in the life sciences sector, Hilary has extensive experience in computer systems validation and quality assurance, as well as holding a BSc and an MEng in Engineering from Brunel University London.
Hilary is internationally recognised for her contributions to the ISPE GAMP®5 good practice guides, including co-leading the update of the Process Control Systems Good Practice Guide following the publication of GAMP®5 2nd Edition.
Hilary was a featured speaker at the 2025 ISPE Europe Annual Conference, where she discussed the integration of digitalised project execution tools in automation and AI-enabled processes.

In this episode, we discuss a range of topics including DeltaV, automation, Gender Diversity within Manufacturing and Engineering, GAMP, the ISPE conference, as well as AI and CyberSecurity and a lot more. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in the manufacturing and engineering space.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

The CDMO Changing Oral Drug Delivery – Instapill CEO Ankit Gupta

Season 2 · Episode 9

Monday, December 15, 2025 • Duration 14:19

The CDMO Changing the Game in Drug Delivery

This week, in another episode of the Making it in Manufacturing Spotlight Series, we sit down with Ankit Gupta, CEO of Instapill, a company redefining oral drug delivery through freeze-dried, fast-dissolving tablets.

With over 15 years of experience spanning investment banking, M&A, and leadership roles in pharmaceutical manufacturing, Ankit brings a sharp perspective on scaling, innovation, and sustainable differentiation.

In this episode, Ankit covers:

- Instapill’s unique FDA-approved non-gelatin ODT technology and why it’s transforming patient outcomes in paediatrics and geriatrics.

- Scaling up manufacturing capacity in India and future expansion plans into the US, and how automation will maintain quality at scale.

- How digital transformation and AI are shaping pharmaceutical manufacturing, from paperless R&D to data-driven precision in production.

- What makes a CDMO attractive to investors, and how sustainable differentiation trumps trend-driven momentum.

- Lessons from M&A and investment banking, and how they inform his approach as a CEO leading growth in a competitive CDMO landscape.

Be sure to check out this episode to hear how Instapill is not only innovating formulation, but reimagining the future of pharma manufacturing.

To listen to (or watch) the full episode, search "Making it in Manufacturing Instapill" on your preferred streaming platform. Or, click on the first link in the comments below.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

How ten23 Became One of Europe’s Fastest-Growing Drug-Product CDMOs

Season 2 · Episode 8

Thursday, December 11, 2025 • Duration 38:41

What does it really take to build one of Europe’s fastest-growing drug-product CDMOs, and do it with scientific precision, culture-first leadership, and a B-Corp mindset?

This week, in another episode of the Making It in Manufacturing Spotlight Series, we sit down with Hanns-Christian Mahler, CEO & Founder of ten23.

With over 20 years of experience spanning senior roles at Merck, Roche, biopharma development, drug-product strategy, and CDMO leadership, Hanns-Christian brings a rare blend of scientific rigour, sustainability vision, and people-centric leadership.

In this episode, Hanns-Christian covers:

- The origin story of ten23 and why he left big pharma to challenge the CDMO status quo with ten23

- Why ten23 leads with partnership - not execution - and how “asking better questions” is their competitive edge ten23

- ten23’s rapid growth journey: new filling lines, site expansion, headcount growth, and strategic partnerships, like with BD

- The culture behind the company: transparency, autonomy, values-led leadership, and building a truly learning organisation at ten23

- The future of CDMOs: AI adoption with intention, sustainability as a scientific discipline, and what’s next for ten23’s global footprint

- Hanns-Christian also speaks about his partnerships with sustainability-focused companies such as Lio, led by CEO Vladimir Keil, highlighting how these collaborations help drive more responsible and efficient operations.

If you want a masterclass in modern CDMO leadership, rooted in science, innovation, and purpose, this is the episode to watch.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng

How Do You Successfully Scale and Integrate CDMO Sites After Acquisition? J.D. Mowery

Season 2 · Episode 7

Thursday, December 4, 2025 • Duration 18:34

If you're leading in pharma, biotech, or manufacturing, this is essential listening.

This week, we kick off Season 2 of Making It In Manufacturing with a heavyweight guest: J.D. Mowery, Division President, CDMO at Bora Pharmaceuticals. With more than 25 years of experience across the biopharmaceutical and CDMO sectors, J.D. brings a proven track record of building high-performing teams, scaling operations, and driving innovation at every stage of the drug development lifecycle. He has held impactful leadership roles at industry leaders such as Genentech, Lonza, and JSR Life Sciences, and most recently served as CEO of KBI Biopharma. His expertise spans operations, manufacturing, technology transfer, facility construction, and business development, with a global perspective shaped by work across North America, Europe, and Asia. J.D. is known for his hands-on leadership style, commitment to operational excellence, and passion for building strong, collaborative cultures.

In this episode, J.D. unpacks:

- Smart integration and scaling: Integration and scaling of sites post-acquisition

- Why quality is still the sharpest competitive edge

- What it means to partner with purpose in today’s pharma landscape

- Where CDMOs are headed next - and how AI is shaping that direction

If you're in a leadership role within pharma or biotech, this is the episode you’ll want your entire team to hear.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kEcRZOiJChOoN1KF2n1ng

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arto.talent?igsh=MWdhbWl5N204a253NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@artotalent?_t=ZG-8tHbGACAZaj&_r=1

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leading-beyond-the-lab/id1783115575

How a Crack in Equipment Taught Abbas Hussain the Value of Planning Buffers

Season 1 · Episode 6

Thursday, July 24, 2025 • Duration 42:00

In this episode, we’re joined by Abbas Hussain, an internationally recognised engineering leader and current Projects & Engineering Manager at EUROAPI.

He oversees the end-to-end design and delivery of GMP-compliant manufacturing facilities for APIs, peptides, and oligonucleotides, combining technical depth with strategic execution.
With over 20 years of experience in pharmaceutical and biotech engineering, Abbas has led major capital projects across global markets.
His career includes an extensive tenure at Sanofi, where he held senior roles in process engineering, project delivery, and technology transfer.
A regular speaker on the international stage, Abbas most recently represented EUROAPI at the 2025 ISPE Europe Annual Conference in London.

In this episode, we cover a range of topics including Culture, CAPEX, Project Planning & Delays, Sustainability, AI, Quickfire Questions and a lot more. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in the manufacturing and engineering space.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab

How Michael Vrijs Defends His Site Against Auditors - Without Saying Too Much

Season 1 · Episode 5

Thursday, July 10, 2025 • Duration 28:15

In this episode, we feature Michael Vrijs, a well-recognised expert in cleaning validation and biopharma manufacturing, known for turning complex compliance into practical strategy:

Currently Manager, Manufacturing Technology at Incyte (since 2021), leading cleaning process development and validation at Incyte’s biologics manufacturing site in Switzerland.
Brings nearly 20 years of experience in biopharma manufacturing, specialising in cleaning processes, cleaning validation, tech transfer, continuous improvement, and CAPEX in multi‑product environments.
Spent over a decade as a consultant - serving as Senior Consultant with GxP Consulting Switzerland, and holding senior C&Q/validation roles at Novartis, MSD, Biogen, Pfizer, and Dako.
A recognised ISPE speaker, Michael shares his expertise on large stages including ISPE conferences, engaging global audiences on biopharma manufacturing best practices.

In this episode, we cover a range of topics including Michael’s Career Beginnings, Cleaning and Validation, Common Mistakes Businesses make, Auditor Handling, Advice for young Engineers, and a lot more. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in the manufacturing and engineering space.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Carsten Jasper: Revolutionising Pharma Compliance with AI, Cleanrooms & Bold Thinking

Season 1 · Episode 4

Thursday, July 3, 2025 • Duration 35:11

In this episode, we are joined by Carsten Jasper, a globally recognised leader specialising in pharmaceutical quality, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation within life sciences.

Carsten leads Quality & Compliance within Charles River’s R&D division, where he oversees risk management and the validation of regulated systems.
With 20 years of experience across in-vitro diagnostics, aseptic manufacturing, and total quality management, he brings deep regulatory and operational expertise.
He also runs Jasper Consulting and contributes to PTS Training Service, developing AI-powered tools such as VR/AR simulations and digital twins for cleanroom training.
Previously, he held senior roles in diagnostics and chemical technology and is a regular industry speaker, most recently presenting on AI in cleanroom design at a leading Life Sciences engineering conference.

In this episode, we discuss a range of topics including CSV Validation, Risk Management, Data Integrity, AI, Auditing, Advice for Candidates and more. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in the manufacturing and engineering space.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

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Simon Adams: Building Organisations That Can Withstand Change

Season 1 · Episode 3

Thursday, June 26, 2025 • Duration 55:10

In this episode of Making It In Manufacturing, we speak with Simon Adams, a seasoned advisor and founder of Adams Bio Consulting Ltd, about the evolving demands of leadership in the Life Sciences sector.

He is the Founder and Principal at Adams Bio Consulting Ltd, a leadership consultancy dedicated to the Life Sciences industry.
With 25+ years of experience, he specialises in organisational transformation and leadership development in high-stakes environments.
His career includes Pharma and Biopharma as well as the broader life sciences remit with previous roles at VP and Group Director levels in Operations, Leadership and Operational Excellence providing services in the UK and extensively across the continent.

In this episode, we discuss a range of topics including aseptic compounding, CDMOs - when, where and why use them, OPEX , leadership, cross functional management and more. This conversation applies broadly to all types of connections in the Life Sciences Industry, and aims to educate and inspire those who want to excel in the manufacturing and engineering space.

Follow ARTO

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/artotalent

Spotify: Leading Beyond The Lab

Instagram: Instagram (@arto.talent)

TikTok: artotalent on TikTok

Apple Podcasts: Leading Beyond The Lab

Making it in Manufacturing – Details, episodes & analysis

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Making it in Manufacturing – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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