"Working at Octapharma is like cheering for a winning team."

It's no coincidence that Pär Sandqvist, Head of Pharmaceutical Production at our production site in Stockholm, Sweden, has spent almost his entire career in the pharmaceutical industry. The numerous development opportunities and the family atmosphere at Octapharma are some of the factors that still contribute to his thriving career, even 22 years after he first joined the company.

First, 15 years with the pharmaceutical company Fresenius Kabi. Then, 22 years at Octapharma – and still counting.

"What has kept me here all these years is the fantastic atmosphere. Socially, I thrive in the environment that pharmaceutical production provides. It's dynamic, with sudden changes and quick decisions that need to be made. But above all, it's incredibly rewarding to work on something that truly benefits people with a critical need for treatment," says Pär.

Growing together

Until recently, Pär served as the section manager for the SVP (Small Volume Parentals) filling line, a fully automated production line for Octapharma's freeze-dried products.

"It started as a project on which I became the sub-project manager for industrialisation. That involved ensuring that we had the necessary staff, instructions, and procedures in place. The project quickly grew and became its own section," explains Pär, whose own career has grown alongside the company.

Pär began his journey at Octapharma as a Group Manager for filtration in pharmaceutical production. He then advanced to section manager for sterile production. In the autumn of 2024, Pär took another significant step in his career, becoming the department manager for pharmaceutical production.

"Over the years, I have been given many development opportunities, including various leadership programs. For those who are willing, there are ample opportunities to grow at Octapharma."

""In the canteen, operators, CEOs, managers, and administrative staff sit side by side, making lunch a natural networking opportunity. This creates a sense of belonging and reinforces that everyone is an important part of the company."

Products that matter

All Octapharma products are sterile-filtered, as the active substances cannot withstand final sterilization. This imposes high demands on aseptic production, an area in which Pär has dedicated many years of his career.

"It may sound like a cliché to say we are always focused on our patients, but it's true. There are many things that can go wrong, and working in the final crucial step reminds me daily of the importance of our job. The great responsibility we carry contributes to the strong team spirit at Octapharma. There's a special pride in representing a reputable brand, much like cheering for a winning team," says Pär.

Receiving feedback from patients who use Octapharma's products is rare but incredibly valuable. A few years ago, Octapharma invited a mother of a boy with haemophilia, through the Haemophilia Association, to speak about the daily challenges caused by the disease and the need for medication.

"It was a moving experience that I remember clearly. Meeting the mother of a patient who uses our products was invaluable to understanding the difficulties patients face and the significant impact our work has," Pär recalls.