Alcon, Inc, researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contact lens care solutions and other vision care products, unveiled plans to build a facility in Singapore that would manufacture pharmaceuticals to be distributed throughout most of Asia. The company plans to break ground in 2009 with the plant being fully functional in 2012. Alcon would employ more than 150 employees within three years after commencing production.
Over the past several years, Alcon's sales of pharmaceuticals that treat diseases and conditions of the eye have risen at a compound annual growth of more than 20 percent in Asian markets. This growth has been driven by many of Alcon's major brands such as Travatan, Patanol and Vigamox ophthalmic solutions, Tobradex ophthalmic ointment, and Systane eye drops. By building this plant, Alcon will be able to more efficiently and cost-effectively distribute pharmaceuticals in the high-growth countries in Asia.
"Given the rapid growth in this region, this plant is integral to our ability to meet future market demands," said, Ed McGough, senior VP - global manufacturing and technical operations of Alcon. "After a lengthy and careful analysis of potential plant locations and through close collaboration with the Singapore Economic Development Board, we selected Singapore due to its highly skilled and reliable workforce and well-established government infrastructure."
Alcon would lease a 20-acre plot of land on which the company would build a 250,000 square foot facility in the Tuas Biomedical Park, which is the location for many other pharmaceutical and biotechnology company facilities. The company expects to manufacture at a rate of more than 53 million units per year at this facility by the end of the third year of operation.
"We are very pleased that Alcon, a leading global eyecare company, has selected Singapore for its new manufacturing site in Asia, using this as a strategic base to address the fast growing markets in this region," said, Aw Kah Peng, assistant managing director, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). "Alcon's investment bears testimony to Singapore's track record in manufacturing excellence, regulatory compliance, excellent logistics and strong intellectual property protection. This new facility will be a welcome addition to the growing cluster of pharmaceutical and biotechnology plants in Tuas Biomedical Park."