GSK to Build S$300M Vaccine Plant in Singapore

PharmaManufacturing.com
06/09/2006

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), one of the world's leading vaccine manufacturers, is set to strengthen its presence in Asia with the establishment of its first vaccine manufacturing plant in Singapore set to be operational in 2010.

The new vaccine plant is GSK's biggest vaccine investment in Asia and will be the first such facility in Singapore. The company will spend more than S$300 million over the next four years, in the first phase of development of the plant dedicated to the primary production of pediatric vaccines. Building work, which has already started, will be phased over a number of years with a view to ensuring maximum manufacturing flexibility. More than 200 jobs will be created to support this facility.

Khaw Boon Wan, Singapore's Minister for Health, attended the plant's groundbreaking ceremony. He said, "Today, our excellent partnership with GSK will cross another milestone. From Singapore's perspective, this GSK facility will be our first vaccine manufacturing facility. This is significant for two reasons. First, it will add to our growing base of biologics manufacturing activities and reinforce our position as one strategic global manufacturing node for the biomedical sciences industry. Second, vaccines are important weapons in our battle against the spread of infectious diseases. By acquiring this capability to produce vaccines locally, we have further enhanced our preparedness against such outbreaks."

Since the early 1970s, Singapore has played a key role in the expansion of GSK's global network. More recently, in 2005, GSK opened its Centre for Research in Cognitive and Neurodegenerative Disorders in Singapore's Biopolis, and also announced its plans to build a new research and development pilot plant at its Global Manufacturing Supply site in Jurong. With this primary vaccine facility, GSK's total investment in Singapore will exceed S$1.5 billion.

Patrick Florent, Senior Vice President, Global Industrial Operations, GSK Biologicals, said, "GSK has enjoyed a presence in Singapore since 1959, even before Singapore became an independent nation. We view ourselves as residents, not tourists and this view underscores our long-term commitment to Singapore. We chose to develop our new vaccine plant — also our largest vaccine investment in Asia —  in Singapore, due to its excellent infrastructure, highly-qualified workforce, superb geographical location and strong government commitment to the biomedical sciences sector."

"The new plant emphasises our long-term commitment to Singapore and to the Asia-Pacific region, and Singapore remains an attractive location for any future investment for GSK," he said.

Once operational, the new plant will be the centre of GSK's bulk polysaccharides and conjugates production worldwide, and will play a pivotal role in the production of paediatric vaccines to meet global demand. The new facility will manufacture GSK's innovative conjugate vaccine that provides protection against Streptococcus pneumonia and Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae, two important pathogens responsible for serious illness among children. GSK's multiple combinations of new meningitis conjugate vaccines also will be produced at this facility.

The plant is expected to contribute significantly to the delivery of GSK's broad pipeline of innovative vaccines, and to the growth of the biomedical industry and other inter-related sectors in Singapore.

Built on a 85,000-square-meter plot of land, the new facility will include high-tech production buildings, as well as support buildings such as administration offices, meeting rooms, quality control laboratories, power plants and a warehouse. It is also designed to allow for future site expansion. GSK intends to boost its employees' skills by sending key personnel for training in its manufacturing plants in Belgium, Germany and Hungary.

For more information on GlaxoSmithKline and GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, visit www.gsk.com.