TIAS broadens Rx automation portfolio

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Building up its automated packaging capabilities for high-output pharmacies, Tension International Automation Solutions has acquired the exclusive rights to Maverick Enterprise’s automation technology.


The agreement includes Maverick’s UPM Tote and BottlePacker systems, along with the company’s Single BottlePacker and ErgoPack packaging technologies. TIAS also will take over service and support for Maverick’s existing automation systems.


A division of Tension Envelope, TIAS specializes in developing scalable systems for central-fill, mail-order and specialty pharmacies. The addition of Maverick’s capabilities in packaging automation, said sales and marketing chief Ken Myers, will beef up its automation support arsenal for high-volume pharmacy customers.


“This technology allows us to help central-fill, mail-order and specialty pharmacies [and] further automate with industry-proven equipment,” he said.


The result, Myers added, will be “reducing staffing and prescription costs while consistently driving down the potential for errors through bar code, RFID and UV verification systems.”


Added Robert Terzini, TIAS’ new head of pharmacy design and engineering, “Many of our customers have had these systems operating for a number of years. They have made their own modifications and have very good ideas as to how they would like to enhance them.”


Terzini, an experienced design engineer with expertise in pharmaceutical dispensing systems and packaging, joined the company in November after serving as chief technical officer of United States Pharmaceutical Distributors.