Ceremony Held Today for New Facility in Tuas Biomedical Park
HUENENBERG, Switzerland--(Business Wire)--
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.
The new 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.
"With the 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."
He added 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.
"Alcon`s 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.
Alcon 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.
About Alcon
Alcon, 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 Nestlé, S.A., the world`s largest food company. For more
information on Alcon, Inc., visit the Company`s web site at www.alcon.com.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. This press release may contain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.Any forward- looking statements reflect
the views of our management as of the date of this press release with respect to
future events and are based on assumptions and subject to risks and
uncertainties. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on
these forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required under the
federal securities laws and the rules and regulations promulgated by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, we undertake no obligation to publicly
update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new
information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.
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Alcon, Inc.
Media Inquiries
Holly Clark, 817-551-8696
holly.clark@alconlabs.com
or
Investor Inquiries
Doug MacHatton, 817-551-8974
doug.machatton@alconlabs.com
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