AST

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipmentast-inc.com

AST designs and manufactures robotic aseptic fill-finish systems (ASEPTiCell, GENiSYS R/C, Atmos isolator) for pharmaceutical, biotech, and CDMO manufacturers, selling capital equipment and lifecycle services directly to enterprise customers globally from its Tacoma, WA headquarters.

Company typePrivate
Founded1965
HeadquartersTacoma, United States
Headcount51–100
GTM typeB2B
OfferingHardware or Manufacturing

What AST does

AST (Automated Systems of Tacoma, LLC) is a U.S.-based manufacturer of advanced aseptic filling and closing systems serving pharmaceutical and biotechnology drug-product manufacturers, CDMOs, and advanced therapy developers. Founded in 1965 in Tacoma, Washington, the company employs 51-100 people and has shifted its exclusive focus to pharmaceutical manufacturing since 2015. Its product platform centers on three integrated fill-finish systems — the ASEPTiCell® (flagship, capable of processing vials, syringes, and cartridges on a single line at up to 100 units/minute for commercial batches of 30,000+ units), the GENiSYS® R (robotic multi-format system for clinical and commercial cGMP production including cell and gene therapies), and the GENiSYS® C (compact clinical-to-commercial system up to 20 units/minute) — supported by the GENiSYS Lab benchtop series, AST Atmos™ American-made isolator (with sub-90-minute VPHP biodecontamination), cart-based processing modules, key technologies (peristaltic and rotary piston pumps, in-process weight checks, automated environmental monitoring), and the proprietary ASTView® HMI with optional 21 CFR Part 11 Electronic Batch Records.

AST's technology architecture is built on end-to-end robotics that eliminate glass-on-glass and glass-on-metal contact, recipe-driven production with toolless format changeover in as little as 15 minutes, and a patented multi-stage vacuum piston insertion process for silicone-free syringes. All systems are designed for cGMP, FDA, EU GMP Annex 1, and ISO 5 / Grade A compliance, with certifications supporting both small-batch clinical and commercial-scale biologics, biosimilars, gene therapies, vaccines, and compounding pharmacy applications.

The business model is enterprise-direct, quote-based capital equipment sales (one-time license) supplemented by recurring aftermarket services (preventative maintenance, spare parts, break-fix, VPN remote support, 24/7/365 critical-fill support) and AST Academy training/CQV consulting. Sales cycles are long and consultative, driven by tradeshow presence (INTERPHEX, ISPE, CPHI, PDA) and direct engagement with engineering, operations, and quality teams at pharmaceutical manufacturers. In December 2025, Italy-based Marchesini Group acquired a 44.39% equity stake in AST, integrating the company into its Aseptic Business Unit and significantly expanding its global commercial reach into Europe and Asia while AST retains operational independence under CEO Joe Hoff.

AST firmographics

Firmographics

Name: AST
Legal name: AST, LLC
Website: https://ast-inc.com
Company type: Private
Founded year: 1965
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 51–100 employees
Short description: AST designs and manufactures robotic aseptic fill-finish systems (ASEPTiCell, GENiSYS R/C, Atmos isolator) for pharmaceutical, biotech, and CDMO manufacturers, selling capital equipment and lifecycle services directly to enterprise customers globally from its Tacoma, WA headquarters.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

AST industry classification

Industry

Product category: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment
NAICS: Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing (325412), Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing (339112), Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516)
SIC: Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)
akta.pro primary industry: Fill-Finish & Aseptic Drug Product Manufacturing (Biologics/ATMP) (HLAGAGAG)
akta.pro secondary industry: Aseptic Processing, Fill-Finish & Sterile Manufacturing Tech (isolators, lyophilization interfaces) (HLAAAJAG)

Keywords

Aseptic fill-finish systems
Pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment
Isolator barrier technology
Sterile injectable processing
Robotic fill-finish machines

Where AST is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Tacoma
HQ country: United States
HQ region: North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

AST business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B
Offering type: Hardware or Manufacturing
Cost components: Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

Capital Equipment Sales: AST designs, manufactures, and sells advanced aseptic fill-finish equipment (ASEPTiCell, GENiSYS series, Atmos isolator, benchtop systems). These are capital equipment purchases for pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturers, typically involving custom configuration, qualification, and commissioning. Sales are enterprise-direct with long consultative sales cycles.
Aftermarket Services & Spare Parts: AST provides comprehensive lifecycle support including preventative maintenance, break-fix support, on-site and remote technical support, spare parts, change parts, machine consumables, and 24/7/365 support services. Critical spares programs and VPN kit support are also offered.
Training & Consulting Services (AST Academy): AST Academy provides cGMP training, consulting, and project ramp-up services including machine operation training, GMP documentation, audit preparation, aseptic processing training, CQV roadmap support, EM program design, and SOP Jumpstart programs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

AST product offering

Product offering

Core offering

AST designs, manufactures, and sells advanced aseptic filling and closing systems for pharmaceutical and biotechnology drug product manufacturers. Its portfolio includes robotic multi-format fill-finish platforms (ASEPTiCell, GENiSYS R, GENiSYS C, GENiSYS Lab), the AST Atmos isolator barrier technology, ASTView HMI software, and supporting subsystems (Container Filling System, Container Closing System, Vial Sealing System, Shield GIT). The company also delivers lifecycle aftermarket services, spare parts, and AST Academy training and consulting for cGMP-compliant sterile injectable manufacturing.

Product overview

AST is a U.S.-based technology leader specializing in advanced aseptic filling and closing systems for the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology industries. The company offers a platform-plus-modules architecture centered on three integrated fill-finish systems (ASEPTiCell®, GENiSYS® R, and GENiSYS® C) that share modular components including filling/close modules, vial sealing modules, and isolator technology. The ASEPTiCell is the flagship commercial-scale system capable of 100 units/minute processing vials, syringes, and cartridges on the same line. The GENiSYS R provides robotic processing for highly targeted therapies. The GENiSYS C offers compact clinical-to-commercial capability. Supporting the core systems are the GENiSYS Lab benchtop series, Atmos isolator technology, cart-based processing solutions, key technologies (pumps, IPC, environmental monitoring), ASTView HMI software, Shield GIT glove testing, comprehensive aftermarket services, and AST Academy training programs. All systems are designed for cGMP compliance and integrate with proprietary barrier and decontamination technologies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

GENiSYS: Product line of aseptic filling and closing systems including GENiSYS C, GENiSYS R, and GENiSYS Lab for various scale applications from benchtop to commercial production.
ASEPTiCell
AST Atmos
AST Shield GIT
ASTView
AST Academy

Products and services

ASEPTiCell AST's flagship commercial-scale aseptic robotic fill-finish platform for medium-batch liquid pharmaceutical production. Processes ready-to-use nested vials, cartridges, and syringes on a single integrated line at up to 100 units per minute and batch sizes of 30,000+ units, using end-to-end robotics to eliminate glass-on-glass and glass-on-metal contact. Designed for biopharmaceutical manufacturers and CDMOs.
GENiSYS R Flexible, multi-format robotic aseptic filling system for clinical and commercial cGMP production of high-value liquid pharmaceuticals. Features LPM (Lyophilization Prep/De-Nesting) module, ISO 5 Grade A environments, and specialized format handling including West CZ Tray packs. Targeted at cell, gene, and regenerative therapy manufacturers and CDMOs.
GENiSYS C Compact, advanced filling and closing system for automated processing of nested, custom, and ready-to-use vials, syringes, and cartridges. Processes up to 20 units per minute with a compact footprint ideal for R&D, process development, cGMP clinical manufacturing, and small-batch commercial production. Targeted at pharmaceutical developers, CDMOs, and compounding pharmacies.
GENiSYS Lab Series Automated benchtop aseptic processing systems for laboratory settings, processing vials, syringes, and cartridges with configurable, recipe-driven production. Designed for R&D, process development, and commercial production of highly targeted liquid pharmaceuticals at pharmaceutical developers and academic settings.
AST Atmos Isolator American-made cGMP-compliant isolator technology providing contamination barrier for sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing. Compatible with 7.5% to 34% hydrogen peroxide concentrations, with unidirectional airflow at 0.45m/s, HEPA filter coverage of at least 70%, and fully integrated ASTView HMI control. Designed for pharmaceutical manufacturers requiring Annex 1 compliance.
Container Filling System (CFS) Bench-top, semi-automatic machine for filling pre-filled syringes, cartridges, and filling and stoppering of vials and bottles. Designed for small-scale processing of sterile injectable products with compatibility for cleanrooms, bio-safety cabinets, laminar airflow hoods, and aseptic isolator environments. Targeted at compounding pharmacies and clinical-stage manufacturers.
Container Closing System (CCS) Benchtop, semi-automatic machine providing complete and accurate control of syringe and cartridge closing using both vacuum and vent-tube methods, leveraging AST's patented multi-stage vacuum piston insertion process. Ideal for small-batch closing of pre-filled syringes and cartridges, including silicone-free formats.
Vial Sealing System (VSS) Benchtop, semi-automatic machine for sealing or capping pharmaceutical vials and bottles with aluminum caps. Uses free-spinning disk design optimized to minimize particle generation during the sealing process for sterile injectable applications.
Cart-Based Processing Solutions Compact, robust aseptic processing modules (including the VSM-C) bringing technology from larger line configurations to decentralized operations such as hospital and compounding pharmacy settings. Provides flexibility for smaller-footprint sterile manufacturing.
ASTView HMI Proprietary centralized human-machine interface (HMI) software that integrates with AST aseptic fill-finish systems and isolator technology. Provides high-resolution touchscreen control, fully exportable data in PDF formats, remote monitoring via Thin Client app, and optional Electronic Batch Record (EBR) system for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
Shield GIT Wireless Glove Testing System Advanced wireless glove testing system with full HD touchscreen display, fully integrated glove testing data with batch reports via ASTView, interlocks with batch operations, UL and CE certification ready, with docking pedestal and wireless charging for four testers. Designed for aseptic manufacturing contamination control.
Customer Care & Aftermarket Services Comprehensive lifecycle support including installation, preventative maintenance, operational qualification protocols, break-fix support, augmented reality support, critical spares, 24/7/365 support services, standby support for critical fills, and VPN kit for remote support. Targeted at installed AST equipment customers.
AST Academy Training & Consulting Comprehensive training, consulting, and project ramp-up services including machine operation training, GMP documentation, audit preparation, aseptic processing training, CQV roadmap support, environmental monitoring program design, risk assessment, and SOP Jumpstart programs. Targeted at pharmaceutical manufacturers and CDMOs implementing or operating AST equipment.

Quantifiable outcome

Up to 100 units per minute throughput with the ASEPTiCell for commercial production batches of 30,000+ units
+4 more outcomes

Companies that use AST

Customer profile

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

AST technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability1 record

Feature11 records

AST partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

One partnership is on record.

Marchesini Groupflagship / coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2025Marchesini Group, a leading pharmaceutical packaging machinery manufacturer based in Italy, acquired a 44.39% equity stake in AST in December 2025. The partnership combines AST's U.S. drug product manufacturing expertise (aseptic fill-finish systems) with Marchesini's global pharmaceutical packaging infrastructure. AST has joined Marchesini Group's Aseptic Business Unit. The collaboration enables both companies to leverage combined geographical presence in the U.S. and Europe, expand services, increase production capacity, and serve a broader customer base for sterile medicinal products. AST's Chairman and CEO Joe Hoff increased his ownership stake and joined Marchesini Group's Aseptic Division steering committee. The companies debuted their partnership at INTERPHEX 2026 in New York.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

AST competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Broad incumbents

Syntegon (formerly Bosch Packaging Technology): Syntegon is one of the largest global suppliers of pharmaceutical processing and packaging equipment, including aseptic fill-finish systems, isolators, and lyophilizers. It competes with AST's GENiSYS and ASEPTiCell platforms at commercial scale, particularly for vials and syringes, and serves the same CDMO and big-pharma customers.
GEA Group (Pharma & Healthcare): GEA supplies aseptic processing equipment, including homogenizers, separators, and fill-finish systems, primarily for liquid pharmaceutical manufacturing. GEA competes with AST in aseptic filling and serves many of the same CDMO and biopharma customers at commercial scale.
IMA Group: IMA is a major Italian packaging machinery manufacturer serving pharma, cosmetics, and food. Its pharmaceutical division competes with AST in aseptic fill-finish and is a sibling European competitor to AST's new partner Marchesini Group.
Optima Group (Optima Pharma): German-based Optima Pharma supplies aseptic filling systems, isolators, and complete fill-finish lines for injectables. It competes with AST in commercial-scale aseptic fill-finish, particularly for vials and pre-filled syringes, with a broader portfolio that includes packaging equipment.

Direct peers

Bausch + Strobel: German-based specialist in aseptic filling and closing machines for vials, syringes, and ampoules. Bausch + Strobel is a direct competitor in pharmaceutical aseptic fill-finish, particularly in liquid injectables and pre-filled syringe applications where AST's GENiSYS R and ASEPTiCell also compete.
Vanrx Pharmasystems: Vanrx (acquired by Sealed Air/Cryovac) specializes in robotic aseptic fill-finish systems using gloveless isolator technology for vials, syringes, and cartridges. Vanrx is the closest pure-play robotic aseptic competitor to AST, particularly in cell/gene therapy and biologic applications.
Steriline: Italian manufacturer of aseptic filling lines and isolators (robotic and conventional) for vials, syringes, and ampoules. Steriline is a direct specialist competitor to AST in the European aseptic fill-finish market, recently expanding its robotic fill-finish portfolio.
Groninger & Co. German specialist in filling and closing machines for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, including aseptic fill-finish for vials, syringes, and cartridges. Groninger is a direct competitor to AST in flexible multi-format aseptic filling, particularly in injectables.
SKAN AG: Swiss specialist in isolator technology and aseptic processing equipment for pharmaceutical manufacturing. SKAN is a direct competitor to AST's Atmos isolator offering and provides barrier/isolator solutions to many of the same pharma customers.

Emerging players

Comecer (ATS Group): Italian manufacturer of isolators and aseptic processing equipment for pharmaceutical and nuclear medicine applications, now part of the ATS Group. Comecer competes with AST in isolator technology, particularly for radiopharmaceutical and advanced therapy fill-finish applications.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

AST compliance and trust

Trust signal

Compliance5 records

AST financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

AST leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

AST funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

AST M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AST

What does AST do?

Is AST a public or private company?

AST is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.

When was AST founded?

AST was founded in 1965. It employs 51 to 100 people.

Where is AST based?

AST is headquartered in Tacoma, United States, in the North America region.

How does AST make money?

Three revenue lines are on record. Capital Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are aftermarket Services & Spare Parts and training & Consulting Services (AST Academy).

Who are AST's main competitors?

Broad incumbents on record are Syntegon (formerly Bosch Packaging Technology), GEA Group (Pharma & Healthcare), IMA Group and Optima Group (Optima Pharma). Direct peers are Bausch + Strobel, Vanrx Pharmasystems, Steriline, Groninger & Co. and SKAN AG. Comecer (ATS Group) is listed as an emerging player.

Does AST have an API?

No public API is recorded for AST.

What industry is AST in?

AST's product category is Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGAGAG, Fill-Finish & Aseptic Drug Product Manufacturing (Biologics/ATMP), with a secondary code of HLAAAJAG, Aseptic Processing, Fill-Finish & Sterile Manufacturing Tech (isolators, lyophilization interfaces). Its NAICS code is 325412 and its SIC code is 2834.