Abbott has opened its largest nutrition product manufacturing facility in Singapore to meet increasing regional demand for its paediatric nutrition products, including Similac. The facility will serve up to one million Asian infants and children each year. This represents the company's growing commitment to the region, its single largest investment in Asia and its largest nutrition investment at US$300 million (S$450 million).
Additionally, Abbott announced an agreement to open a new nutrition science research and development center in Singapore, where its scientists will focus on clinical trials and development of nutrition products tailored to Asian dietary needs. This center of excellence complements Abbott's new pharmaceutical research and development facility, opened last month in Singapore.
"For more than 80 years, Abbott has been a pioneer in nutrition science, bringing the most advanced products to generations of families and children," said Miles D White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott, who dedicated the new plant in Singapore. "These new facilities in Singapore will allow us to get even closer to our customers in both proximity and in understanding the unique dietary needs and preferences of Asian consumers."
Abbott's paediatric products sold in Asia, including infant formula, follow-on formula and growing-up milk, are now manufactured in this state-of-the-art facility. This facility offers world-class levels of safety, process control and cleanliness throughout the manufacturing and distribution process.
Products made at Abbott Manufacturing Singapore will continue to contain the same quality ingredients and undergo the same testing standards as Abbott products made elsewhere - consumers will receive the same products they rely on at present. Importantly, the Singapore location allows for faster shipments to retail and health care establishments across countries in the region, including China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, as well as the Middle East. The plant employs approximately 300 people, 50 of whom are solely devoted to quality assurance.
Abbott currently operates 11 nutrition manufacturing facilities around the world.
"Singapore is uniquely positioned to tap into Asia's growth," said Lim Hng Kiang, minister for Trade & Industry, Singapore, who was the guest of honour at the dedication ceremony. "Abbott, as a diversified healthcare company with businesses spanning pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and diagnostics, is well poised to serve Asia's diverse needs. We are delighted that Abbott has chosen Singapore to be its strategic beach-head into Asia."
Abbott Nutrition also has finalized an agreement with Singapore to open a new state-of-the-art Asia-Pacific Research and Development Center for Nutrition Science at the Biopolis, a high-tech biomedical research park. Experienced Abbott scientists at the center will lead research and clinical trials in areas such as food and sensory science, clinical nutrition science, novel ingredient evaluation and cognition science.
Housing this center in Singapore will enable Abbott scientists to tailor new ingredients, products, flavours and packages to the region's most critical nutrition challenges, and to the tastes and preferences of Asia-Pacific consumers.
Last month, Abbott opened its first pharmaceutical research and development site in Southeast Asia - also at the Biopolis in Singapore - where it will conduct stability studies, including studies on active pharmaceutical ingredients and novel formulations, to support global regulatory requirements for new pharmaceutical products. The work done at the laboratory will enable Abbott to accelerate the development of innovative investigational medicines and potentially deliver new treatments to patients faster in areas such as neuroscience and cancer.
Abbott has expanded its presence in the country over the past few years with the launch of several key products, including Humira and the Xience V drug coated stent. Singapore is also home to the regional headquarters for several Abbott businesses, including nutrition, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.