Trip to GSK

We were herded into a seminar room and attended a brief but engaging introductory presentation, during which we were exposed to many of GSK's products, including some innovative and interesting ones like Ribena and Horlicks. Additionally, we were given a more comprehensive understanding of GSK as a whole and its significance in many major fields today. 

During the trip, I managed to learn about how certain chemicals are mass-produced, with the help of highly-automated, large-scale, extremely sophisticated equipment, like dryers and reaction vessels. The process involves production starting from small-scale research in the laboratory. Successfully synthesised molecules with desirable physical properties are then mass-produced in the manufacturing plants. In this way, there is a gradual scaling-up of production depending on the success of the product. 

I also managed to learn about how design and procedures are used to optimise the manufacturing process. In order to maintain maximum efficiency, the equipment runs 24 hours a day, with workers coming in on shifts to supervise. To maintain a controlled environment, there are also several precautions in place, such as insulated piping, a device to mix the products to ensure uniform drying within the dryer. Also, the inside of the reaction chamber is coated with glass to prevent acids from reacting with the metal. However, this glass coat is in turn vulnerable to reaction with bases, so that is another precaution to be noted.

For my part, I found the trip quite enjoyable as well, and I enjoyed the plant tour as I had opportunities to learn more about the manufacturing process. 

I found this trip to be extremely enlightening, and I look forward to similar experiences in the future.