Press Release
Abbott Opens New Pediatric Nutrition Manufacturing Facility in Singapore
Company's Largest Nutrition Manufacturing Facility Will Serve Up to 1
Million Asian Infants and Children Each Year
Announces Agreement to Open a New Nutrition Science Research and
Development Center
February 26, 2009
Singapore — Abbott (NYSE: ABT)
opened its largest nutrition product manufacturing facility in Singapore to
meet increasing regional demand for its pediatric nutrition products, including
Similac®. The facility will serve up to 1 million Asian infants and children
each year. This represents the company's growing commitment to the region, its
single largest investment in Asia and its largest nutrition investment at
US$300 million (S$450 million).
Additionally, Abbott announced an agreement to open a new nutrition science
research and development center in Singapore, where its scientists will focus
on clinical trials and development of nutrition products tailored to Asian
dietary needs. This center of excellence complements Abbott's new
pharmaceutical research and development facility, opened last month in
Singapore.
"For more than 80 years, Abbott has been a pioneer in nutrition science,
bringing the most advanced products to generations of families and
children," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer,
Abbott, who dedicated the new plant today in Singapore. "These new
facilities in Singapore will allow us to get even closer to our customers in
both proximity and in understanding the unique dietary needs and preferences of
Asian consumers."
Abbott's pediatric products sold in Asia, including infant formula,
follow-on formula and growing-up milk, are now manufactured in this
state-of-the-art facility. This facility offers world-class levels of safety,
process control and cleanliness throughout the manufacturing and distribution
process.
Products made at Abbott Manufacturing Singapore will continue to contain the
same quality ingredients and undergo the same testing standards as Abbott
products made elsewhere – consumers will receive the same products they rely on
today. Importantly, the Singapore location allows for faster shipments to
retail and health care establishments across countries in the region, including
China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam,
as well as the Middle East. The plant employs approximately 300 people, 50 of
whom are solely devoted to quality assurance.
Abbott currently operates 11 nutrition manufacturing facilities around the
world.
"Singapore is uniquely positioned to tap into Asia's growth," said
Mr. Lim Hng Kiang, Minister for Trade & Industry, Singapore, who was the
guest of honor at the dedication ceremony "Abbott, as a diversified
healthcare company with businesses spanning pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and
diagnostics, is well poised to serve Asia's diverse needs. We are delighted
that Abbott has chosen Singapore to be its strategic beach-head into
Asia."
Abbott's Commitment to Singapore – New Asia-Pacific
Research and Development Center for Nutrition Science
Abbott Nutrition also has finalized an agreement with Singapore to open a
new state-of-the-art Asia-Pacific Research and Development Center for Nutrition
Science at the Biopolis, a high-tech biomedical research park. Experienced
Abbott scientists at the center will lead research and clinical trials in areas
such as food and sensory science, clinical nutrition science, novel ingredient
evaluation and cognition science.
Housing this center in Singapore will enable Abbott scientists to tailor new
ingredients, products, flavors and packages to the region's most critical
nutrition challenges, and to the tastes and preferences of Asia-Pacific
consumers.
Last month, Abbott opened its first pharmaceutical research and development
site in Southeast Asia – also at the Biopolis in Singapore – where it will
conduct stability studies, including studies on active pharmaceutical
ingredients and novel formulations, to support global regulatory requirements
for new pharmaceutical products. The work done at the laboratory will enable
Abbott to accelerate the development of innovative investigational medicines
and potentially deliver new treatments to patients faster in areas such as
neuroscience and cancer.
Abbott has expanded its presence in the country over the past few years with
the launch of several key products, including HUMIRA® and the XIENCE V™ drug
coated stent. Singapore is also home to the regional headquarters for several
Abbott businesses, including nutrition, pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.
About Abbott's Nutrition Products Manufactured in
Singapore
Abbott Nutrition is a leader in providing safe, high-quality and effective
nutrition products for infants, children and adults. Abbott Manufacturing
Singapore will produce the company's pediatric line of products for the region
including Similac®, Gain®, Gain Plus®, Grow®, Grow School® and PediaSure
Complete®.
About Abbott Nutrition
Abbott Nutrition develops and markets a wide range of science-based infant
formulas, medical nutritionals, nutrition and energy bars, and related products
to support the growth, health and wellness of people of all ages. Abbott
Nutrition's internationally recognized brands include the Similac® brand of
infant formulas; the Gain® brand of follow-on formulas and growing-up milks for
older babies and toddlers; the Grow® brand of pre-school milk for children 3
years and beyond; the PediaSure® brand of complete and balanced nutrition and
snacks for children; and the Ensure® brand of complete and balanced nutrition
for adults.
Additionally, Abbott Nutrition
is a leader in medical foods clinically shown to address the distinct dietary
needs of people with serious health conditions or special nutrient
requirements, such as the Glucerna® brand of nutrition shakes and bars for
people with diabetes. Abbott Nutrition also offers EAS® specialized nutrition
products to meet the unique needs of athletes, as well as ZonePerfect®
All-Natural Nutrition Bars for busy people.
About Abbott
Abbott (NYSE: ABT)
is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery,
development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products,
including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs
approximately 69,000 people and markets its products in more than 130
countries.
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+1 (847) 612-8274 |
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