Abbott Laboratories (Abbott), a US-based health care company, has opened its 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 $300 million (SGD450 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.”