Alcon, the Swiss manufacturer of eye care products, marked the start of construction of its first pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Asia with a groundbreaking ceremony in Singapore's Tuas Biomedical Park. The new 330,000sq ft plant is expected to be completed in 2012 and will create 150 jobs.
The new plant will primarily manufacture pharmaceutical products for glaucoma, eye infections, eye inflammation and dry eyes for Asian markets.
"With the rapid growth we are experiencing in Asia, this new Singapore plant is integral to our ability to meet the increasing demand for our products in the region," said Ed McGough, senior vice president for global manufacturing and technological operations at Alcon. "The strategically positioned Singapore location, coupled with the increased capacity of this plant, will help us supply Asia with essential eye care pharmaceuticals more efficiently."
He added that Singapore was attractive due to its central position in Asia, the skilled and reliable workforce in the country and its well-developed infrastructure. The Economic Development Board of Singapore supported the plant's location in Tuas.
Alcon Singapore operations were established in 1992. The company currently employs 40 people.