Medtronic, Inc. (Medtronic) held the official opening of its new offices which will oversee Medtronic’s operations in Asia and internationally (Latin America, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa and Middle East, Australia). Medtronic also announced the establishment of a new additional manufacturing facility (Medtronic Singapore Operations or MSO) in Changi South to meet anticipated demand for cardiac devices in Asia.
Executive Vice-President and Group President of Medtronic International Jean-Luc Butel, was in attendance and Singapore’s Minister for Manpower Gan Kim Yong was the Guest of Honour gracing the event.
“The opening of our SGD80 million manufacturing facility in Singapore is a very exciting development for Medtronic as we anticipate significant growth of the medical device industry in Asia and it will enable us to meet this rising need in an increasingly important market. By setting up our ASIA (ASEAN, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand) and International headquarters in Singapore, we are well placed to leverage on this growth and serve even more patients and customers in the future.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Economic Development Board (EDB) for the strong support they have given us from the onset and look forward to when our manufacturing facility is in full operation,” stated Mr Butel.
This new manufacturing facility in Singapore will add on to Medtronic’s stable of more than 250 manufacturing facilities, sales offices, research centres, education centres and administration facilities which serve customers and patients in 120 countries.
The SGD80 million manufacturing facility in Singapore will be a state-of-the-art facility adhering to Medtronic’s high quality, safety and compliance standards. The facility will produce Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management (CRDM) devices and production is expected to commence the beginning of 2011.
“We are heartened by Medtronic’s confidence in Singapore’s reputation as a choice location for high quality medical device manufacturing and development in Asia,” said Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister for Manpower. “Our high quality workforce is one key reason why Singapore continues to be successful in attracting long-term investments from global MNCs. The Singapore Government, complemented by industry partnership, has taken steps to enhance our manpower capabilities to support growth sectors such as medical technology by building on our Continuing Education and Training Masterplan to fuel our economy.”
According to Joon Hurh, Vice-President, ASIA (ASEAN, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand) for Medtronic, the company intends to hire local employees for its Singapore manufacturing facility – “We place much emphasis on staff development and will be embarking on a hiring drive for outstanding local talent soon. Medtronic aims to hire and train more than 100 skilled staff over the next two years as production ramps up.”