Pharmaceutical Granulation Equipment Market By Equipment Type (Wet Granulation, Dry Granulation, Continuous Granulation); By Application (Immediate-Release, Sustained-Release, Effervescent, Specialty Drugs); By End User (Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, CDMOs, Research Labs, Nutraceutical Firms); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Pharmaceutical Granulation Equipment Market is expected to register a robust CAGR of 6.4% , climbing from USD 7.3 billion in 2024 to an estimated USD 11.2 billion by 2030 , according to Strategic Market Research.

 

Granulation is more than a manufacturing step — it’s a strategic bridge between pharmaceutical formulation and scalable production. As drug developers pivot to complex, high-potency molecules, the demand for specialized granulation systems is rising. This includes everything from fluid bed and high-shear granulators to twin-screw continuous systems.

 

The core value of granulation? Process control. With regulators tightening guidelines around product consistency and content uniformity, pharma companies are now treating granulation equipment as a quality assurance asset — not just hardware. That’s especially true for formulations where solubility and bioavailability depend on precise granule size and structure.

 

On the macro front, the expansion of generics manufacturing, especially in India and Latin America, is fueling demand for modular, cost-effective granulation lines. At the same time, contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) are scaling up with high-throughput, continuous granulators to support global clients aiming for speed-to-market.

 

We’re also seeing movement in niche segments like orphan drugs and pediatric formulations — areas where controlled granulation helps meet unique dosing and taste-masking needs.
 

What’s driving this shift?

• Personalized medicine requires flexible batch sizes.

• Potent compounds need enclosed, low-dust systems.

• Regulatory bodies expect real-time data monitoring for every batch.

That convergence is pushing vendors to rethink the role of granulation altogether. Equipment suppliers are now offering data-rich systems with PAT (Process Analytical Technology) integration, making the granulator a node in the broader digital manufacturing network.

 

On the investment side, both OEMs and private equity players are eyeing equipment suppliers with deep process knowledge. Hospitals and in-house R&D labs? Not so much. The stakeholders here are manufacturers, CDMOs, engineering consultants, and regulators — all aligned around one goal: scalable, compliant, and efficient solid dose production.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The Global Pharmaceutical Granulation Equipment Market cuts across multiple technology layers and user segments — each aligned around optimizing particle size, density, and stability in solid dosage manufacturing. The segmentation isn’t just mechanical anymore; it reflects deeper shifts in formulation complexity, regulatory expectations, and production scale.

By Equipment Type

This market is most often segmented by granulation technology, with three dominant categories:

• Wet Granulation Equipment – Still the most widely used, wet granulation remains essential for heat- and moisture-tolerant APIs. High-shear mixers and fluid bed granulators dominate this space, especially in batch-based pharmaceutical environments. As of 2024 , wet granulation equipment holds an estimated 44% market share , driven by its flexibility across tablet formulations.

• Dry Granulation Equipment – Gaining traction due to solvent-free processing, dry granulation (especially roller compaction) is preferred for moisture-sensitive drugs and high-potency APIs. It’s increasingly favored in CDMO settings where cross-contamination must be avoided and process speed matters.

• Continuous Granulation Systems – These systems are seeing rapid adoption in advanced manufacturing settings, especially where pharma companies are investing in real-time quality control. Twin-screw granulators and fully integrated continuous production lines are reshaping how innovators manage scale-up and validation.

The fastest growth is expected in continuous systems — particularly in North America and Europe, where pharma plants are digitizing legacy infrastructure.

 

By Application

While granulation is a core step in tablet production, its applications are expanding:

• Immediate-release Formulations – Require rapid disintegration, often with larger surface area granules.

• Sustained-release Formulations – Involve matrix or coated granules, where uniformity in particle structure is essential.

• Effervescent Tablets & Sachets – Demand high porosity and precise density control.

• Oncology & Orphan Drug Batches – Often require mini-batch or contained granulation systems for safety and control.

Formulations for sustained release are gaining more strategic focus, especially as drug developers seek to differentiate aging molecules.

 

By End User

Granulation equipment is used across various pharma production and development settings:

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturers – Large and mid-sized players managing internal tablet and capsule production.

• CDMOs – Contract firms offering full-service production, increasingly driving demand for flexible, scalable systems.

• Research Institutes & Pilot Labs – Require compact granulators for preclinical and early-phase work.

• Nutraceutical Manufacturers – Leveraging the same equipment to produce high-volume dietary supplements.

CDMOs are becoming the primary demand generators in emerging markets, often building in modular granulation systems to serve multiple formulation types.

 

By Region

The geographic breakdown typically follows pharmaceutical production hubs:

• North America – Focused on innovation and compliance-driven upgrades.

• Europe – Strong adoption of continuous manufacturing principles.

• Asia Pacific – Largest volume contributor, driven by India and China’s dominance in generics.

• LAMEA – Catching up through government investments and expanding local production capabilities.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

Granulation equipment is evolving fast — not just in size or throughput, but in how it connects to broader pharmaceutical production goals. From automation to containment to hybrid systems, the Pharmaceutical Granulation Equipment Market is turning into a focal point of innovation in oral solid dosage manufacturing.

Trend #1: Shift Toward Continuous Manufacturing

Continuous granulation isn’t a future concept anymore — it’s already in deployment across North America and Western Europe. What’s changed is regulatory support. Agencies like the FDA and EMA now actively encourage continuous manufacturing through expedited review frameworks and pilot program collaboration.

Several manufacturers are transitioning from traditional batch granulators to twin-screw continuous lines that offer in-line monitoring and 24/7 operability.

This model supports faster scale-up, better process control, and fewer deviations — all critical when dealing with high-volume generics or time-sensitive oncology drugs.

 

Trend #2: Integrated Process Analytical Technology (PAT)

Process consistency has become non-negotiable. Vendors are embedding sensors and data acquisition tools directly into granulators, allowing operators to monitor:

• Granule moisture content

• Particle size distribution

• Compression profiles

These real-time metrics are now being used to trigger adjustments mid-run — turning granulation from a static step into a dynamic feedback loop.

In one example, a European CDMO deployed a high-shear granulator with real-time infrared moisture probes, cutting batch rejection rates by nearly 30%.

 

Trend #3: Focus on High-Containment Granulation

With the rise in high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients (HPAPIs), containment is no longer optional. Granulation systems are now being built with:

• Fully enclosed designs

• CIP/SIP (clean-in-place / steam-in-place) features

• Negative pressure handling environments

High-containment granulators are especially in demand in oncology production facilities, where operator safety and cross-contamination prevention are top priorities.

 

Trend #4: Modular and Hybrid Systems

Flexibility is everything in today’s pharma plants. Vendors are rolling out modular equipment that can switch between wet and dry granulation — or operate as part of both batch and continuous lines.

This appeals to CDMOs handling multiple product types and batch sizes — especially when supporting early-stage clients who pivot formulations frequently.

Modular systems also enable phased investments, which is a key factor in emerging markets and mid-sized firms balancing capital constraints.

 

Trend #5: Smart Automation and AI Integration

Granulation systems are joining the Industry 4.0 wave. New platforms now come with:

• AI-driven batch analytics

• Predictive maintenance algorithms

• Remote equipment diagnostics

Some leading vendors have introduced granulators that learn optimal processing parameters across different API-excipient blends — reducing changeover times and batch trial cycles.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The Pharmaceutical Granulation Equipment Market is concentrated around a handful of global players, but regional manufacturers are steadily gaining ground — especially in Asia and Eastern Europe. What separates market leaders today isn’t just mechanical design, but how well they integrate automation, compliance, and flexibility into their systems.

Key Players

GEA Group
Based in Germany, GEA remains a dominant force in the granulation space. Its portfolio spans high-shear mixers, fluid bed processors, and continuous systems. What sets GEA apart is its push into Pharma 4.0 — offering granulators with built-in PAT and seamless connectivity to MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems). The company has a strong presence in both North America and EMEA, supported by dedicated pharma service teams.

 

Glatt
Glatt has carved out a strong position in fluid bed granulation. It is best known for its flexible modular systems and integrated containment options. Over the past few years, Glatt has deepened its footprint in Asia Pacific by partnering with regional integrators and launching more cost-sensitive models aimed at local manufacturers.

 

Alexanderwerk
Specializing in dry granulation and roller compaction, Alexanderwerk appeals to pharma companies working with moisture-sensitive APIs. Their focus is narrow, but the depth of engineering — especially in high-containment systems — has made them a go-to partner for oncology drug manufacturing and CDMOs producing high-potency compounds.

 

Fette Compacting
Though primarily known for tablet presses, Fette is increasingly blurring the lines between granulation and compression. Their integrated systems offer seamless handover from granule processing to final tablet formation, which appeals to high-output production lines aiming for zero waste and real-time quality control.

 

L.B. Bohle
L.B. Bohle has built a reputation around its continuous granulation lines. It’s one of the few companies offering full-line integration — from granulation to blending to compression — with real-time data visibility across the process. The company targets global innovators, especially in the U.S. and Western Europe, looking to modernize legacy production lines.

 

Cadmach Machinery
A key regional competitor based in India, Cadmach offers cost-effective batch granulators suited to the high-volume generic markets. The company’s systems are widely used by Indian pharma giants and are increasingly being exported to African and Middle Eastern markets as part of turnkey plant solutions.

 

Strategic Positioning

Global leaders like GEA , Glatt , and L.B. Bohle focus on high-end, digitally integrated solutions targeted at large-scale manufacturers and CDMOs in regulated markets. Meanwhile, firms like Cadmach and SaintyCo (China) are going after growth in emerging markets with affordable, customizable systems.

Interestingly, regional firms are beginning to mimic top-tier functionality by adding basic PAT features and offering faster lead times — a move that’s putting price pressure on legacy vendors in mid-tier accounts.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

Adoption of granulation equipment isn’t evenly spread — it mirrors the maturity, regulation, and production models of each region. In the Global Pharmaceutical Granulation Equipment Market , some countries are racing toward digital transformation while others are still scaling up basic oral solid dose infrastructure.

North America

The U.S. leads in both volume and innovation. Most pharma majors and CDMOs in the region are moving toward continuous granulation, driven by strong FDA backing and a broader push toward Pharma 4.0 compliance.

• Continuous manufacturing is no longer experimental here — it’s operational in facilities making oncology, neurology, and metabolic drugs.

• Equipment buyers are demanding PAT integration, clean-in-place design, and full MES compatibility.

• Canada is also seeing moderate upgrades, mostly around flexible batch systems for regional generics.

The North American buyer profile is shifting — not just big pharma, but CDMOs and mid-tier manufacturers upgrading for advanced formulations.

 

Europe

Western Europe, especially Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, is a mature granulation market with high regulatory expectations. Equipment suppliers here are focused on reducing batch cycle time, supporting digital twins, and automating validation workflows.

• The EU’s evolving GMP frameworks have led to strong investments in data-integrated granulators.

• Demand is growing for systems that offer cleanroom optimization and rapid changeovers.

• Eastern Europe is catching up, with Poland and Hungary building granulation lines for local production and EU export.

German-made granulators still dominate, but localized service hubs are emerging fast to meet tech support expectations.

 

Asia Pacific

This is the volume engine of the granulation market. India and China are the region’s heavyweights — not just in terms of pharmaceutical output but also as equipment manufacturers themselves.

• India’s generic drug giants are investing in both dry and wet granulation to expand exports to the U.S. and EU.

• China is balancing cost-sensitive batch production with pilot investments in continuous technology.

• Southeast Asia (especially Vietnam and Indonesia) is becoming a hub for nutraceuticals and regional generics.

Asia Pacific’s growth is coming from both supply and demand: it makes the drugs, and increasingly, the machines too.

 

Latin America, Middle East, and Africa (LAMEA)

This region is still developing its pharmaceutical manufacturing base. Much of the demand here is driven by government-funded plants and public-private partnerships.

• Brazil and Mexico are the key adopters in Latin America, investing in fluid bed granulators to support national health initiatives.

• In the Middle East, countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are building pharma parks that include modern granulation lines.

• Sub-Saharan Africa remains early-stage but is receiving equipment through international funding channels.

The opportunity here is long-term — as regulatory frameworks mature, local producers will require validated granulation equipment with basic automation and strong after-sales support.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

End users in the Pharmaceutical Granulation Equipment Market aren't buying the same way they used to. The traditional buyer — a large in-house pharma plant — still exists, but they’re now joined by a wide spectrum of users: CDMOs, R&D centers , nutraceutical firms, and even academic labs. Each has very different expectations when it comes to system design, throughput, flexibility, and compliance.

Key End-User Segments

Pharmaceutical Manufacturers
These are the largest consumers of granulation systems, typically purchasing high-throughput batch or continuous lines for internal solid dose production. Many are retrofitting old lines to meet newer GMP standards, particularly for combination therapies and complex generics. Their top priorities are scalability, PAT compatibility, and validation-ready systems.

 

CDMOs (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations)
This group is seeing the fastest growth. CDMOs require high-flexibility equipment — granulators that can handle frequent formulation changes and variable batch sizes. Because they often serve multiple clients, their focus is on cleanability, containment, and short changeover times. Continuous granulation systems are gaining popularity among mid- to large-scale CDMOs serving international markets.

CDMOs now account for a significant share of first-time granulation system buyers — especially in India, Singapore, and the U.S.

 

R&D Centers and Pilot-Scale Labs
Used mainly for early-stage formulation and process development, these facilities prefer compact, modular systems with plug-and-play automation. Most demand dry granulation due to its minimal material requirements and faster cycle times. Their budgets are tighter, but so is their need for granule consistency, especially for scale-up predictability.

 

Nutraceutical and Supplement Manufacturers
While not strictly pharmaceutical, this group is growing rapidly and often uses the same equipment for high-volume vitamin and herbal product manufacturing. The requirements here focus more on cost-efficiency and throughput than stringent GMP features — though that's changing as some regions implement stricter nutraceutical oversight.

 

A Real-World Use Case

A CDMO based in Hyderabad, India, recently installed a hybrid granulation system — one that toggles between wet and dry modes — to serve a European client needing both effervescent and extended-release formulations. Prior to deployment, the CDMO relied on two separate units, creating logistical issues and regulatory documentation challenges. With the new system, they reduced validation cycle time by 40% and improved batch consistency across both product lines.

This reflects a growing trend: the need for granulators that don’t just "work" but integrate seamlessly into multi-client, multi-regulatory workflows.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Last 2 Years)

• A leading European equipment manufacturer launched a next-gen twin-screw continuous granulator with built-in AI calibration for real-time control of granule size and moisture.

• An Indian CDMO invested in a modular high-shear granulation line capable of multi-product runs, expanding its global GMP service capabilities.

• A global pharma firm deployed integrated PAT-enabled granulators across four of its facilities, as part of its broader Pharma 4.0 upgrade strategy.

• A China-based manufacturer released a compact roller compaction unit with full containment for oncology-grade APIs, targeting small and mid-sized production sites.

• One major North American supplier introduced remote diagnostics and digital twin support for its granulators, reducing downtime and improving maintenance planning across multiple customer locations.
   

Opportunities

• Adoption of Continuous Manufacturing
  Rising preference for high-throughput, continuous granulation systems to reduce batch cycle times and enhance product uniformity.

• Emerging Market Expansion
  Increasing granulation equipment demand in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, where governments are backing local pharma manufacturing.

• Smart Automation & PAT Integration
  Growing emphasis on AI-driven process monitoring and inline quality assurance tools to comply with evolving global GMP norms.

 

Restraints

• High Capital Investment
  Upfront cost of digital-ready granulation systems remains a barrier, especially for small and mid-sized manufacturers in cost-sensitive markets.

• Limited Skilled Workforce
  Shortage of technically trained staff to operate and maintain advanced granulation equipment, particularly in new pharma clusters and emerging regions.
   

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 7.3 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 11.2 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.4% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Equipment Type, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Equipment Type	Wet Granulation, Dry Granulation, Continuous Granulation
By Application	Immediate-Release, Sustained-Release, Effervescent, Specialty Drugs
By End User	Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, CDMOs, Research Labs, Nutraceutical Firms
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., Canada, Germany, U.K., China, India, Japan, Brazil, GCC, South Africa
Market Drivers	• Rising need for high-containment processing in HPAPI production • Shift toward continuous manufacturing with PAT integration • Government support for localized pharmaceutical production
Customization Option	Available upon request