Full Press Release Details
Breaks Ground in Singapore on First Asian Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
Held Today for New Facility in Tuas Biomedical Park
HUENENBERG, Switzerland - May 26, 2009 - Alcon (NYSE:
ACL), the world's largest manufacturer of eye care products, marked the
commencement of construction of its first pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in
the Asian region today with a groundbreaking ceremony in Singapore's Tuas
Biomedical Park. The new 330,000 square foot plant is expected to be completed
in 2012 and will create 150 new jobs.
plant will primarily manufacture sight-saving pharmaceutical products for Asian
markets. The location and capacity expansion will allow Alcon to more
effectively and efficiently meet the eye care needs of patients and eye care
professionals across Asia with treatments for glaucoma, eye infections, eye
inflammation and dry eyes.
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 Mr. Ed McGough, senior vice president for global manufacturing and
technological operations, 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, and maintain the
high-quality service our customers have come to expect from Alcon."
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
plant's location in Tuas was conceived in collaboration with and was supported
by the Economic Development Board of Singapore.
decision to site its first Asia-Pacific manufacturing plant here in Singapore is
a strong vote of confidence for Singapore and our attractiveness to businesses.
EDB has also played a pivotal role in helping Alcon start up this plant today.
Singapore remains committed to providing a conducive and supportive environment
that facilitates biomedical companies' expansion here," said Mr. Gan Kim Yong,
Minister for Manpower.
Singapore operations were established in 1992. Currently the company
employs 40 staff focused on serving the needs of the Singapore eye care
community, as well as providing centralized human resources support, marketing
and health economics capabilities for the Asian region.
Inc. is the world's leading eye care company, with sales of approximately $6.3
billion in 2008. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic
industry for 65 years, researches, develops, manufactures and markets
pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contacts lens solutions and
other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions
of the eye. Alcon operates in 75 countries and sells products in 180
markets. Alcon's majority shareholder is Nestl , S.A., the world's largest food
company. For more information on Alcon, Inc., visit the Company's web
site at www.alcon.com.
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