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Adding on to the existing buildings, the facility has the capacity to add processing suites, dry-end suites, dispensaries, a warehouse, and ancillary equipment as required in the future.
Pfizer has announced the extension of its highly automated 'active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing facility in Singapore. The official opening ceremony was graced by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong on 23 July 2024 (Tuesday).
Located in the Tuas Biomedical Park, the S$1bn facility extension spans 429,000 square feet and will produce various small molecule APIs for Pfizer’s oncology, pain, and antibiotic medicines to markets globally. It has passed all necessary final performance qualification checks and begun commercial manufacturing of products.
In conjunction with the site expansion, Pfizer is looking to create over 250 new highly skilled jobs. This adds to the existing local workforce of several hundred, the firm stated. Pfizer currently has a commercial and manufacturing presence in Singapore, and the firm affirmed that the expansion of the API plant demonstrates its "continued commitment to operations in the country."
Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), commented: "Pfizer’s latest investment in Tuas Biomedical Park reinforces Singapore's standing as a leading biomedical sciences hub and also demonstrates how global biopharmaceutical companies can tap on our talent and capabilities to manufacture therapies for the world.
"We look forward to deepening our longstanding partnership with Pfizer to create meaningful jobs and economic opportunities for Singapore."
The facility began construction in 2020, and was designed to facilitate the lean movement of material, reduction in lead times, process turnarounds, and the continuation of best practice in good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Adding on to the existing buildings, the facility has the capacity to add processing suites, dry-end suites, dispensaries, a warehouse, and ancillary equipment as required in the future. Design priorities included integration of systems and technologies to further increase energy efficiency and enable effective energy demand management.
The facility has also achieved a Green Mark gold certification, a Singapore accreditation for environmental sustainability — said to be aiding Pfizer’s goal to achieve the voluntary Net-Zero standard by 2040 and contribute to a more sustainable future for years to come.
Biopharmaceutical manufacturing contributes largely to Singapore’s economy, with the sector hiring more than 9,000 workers. According to the EDB, this number is projected to grow over the next decade as large manufacturing investments create new opportunities. To complement this, there are ongoing programmes to develop talent within the sector.
Lead image / Economic Development Board Facebook
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