Alcon ophthalmic manufacturing plant opens in Singapore

Singapore-Alcon Laboratories opened the doors this week to its new state-of-the-art ophthalmic pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in the Tuas Biomedical Park in Singapore.

The new facility will allow Alcon to be closer to its growing base of customers and patients throughout Asia, according to the company.

“The need for quality eye care is increasing rapidly across Asia as the population grows and ages,” said Roy Acosta, area president, Alcon Asia-Pacific. “With the opening of this new manufacturing facility, Alcon is making a strong investment in the future of our business in Asia, and ensuring that our innovative products are readily available to those who need them.”

Construction of the 330,000-square-foot facility began in 2009, and cost about S$200 million to build.

The plant will produce ophthalmic pharmaceutical products that address eye conditions, such as glaucoma, dry eye, allergies, and bacterial infections.

“Alcon has more than 20 manufacturing facilities around the world, which use state-of-the-art technology and adhere to the strictest quality standards,” Acosta said. “We are proud to transfer those same capabilities to serve our customers right here in Asia with locally manufactured products.”

The company already has experience in operating a manufacturing plant in Singapore. In 2005, Alcon opened a contact lens manufacturing facility in the Tuas Biomedical Park to meet the growing demand for dailies contact lenses, the company reported.

Currently, the new facility employs about 150 associates, and it is expected to continue to grow as production increases.

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