Alcon, the world’s leading manufacturer of eye-care products, commenced construction of its first Asian pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Singapore’s Tuas Biomedical Park. The 330,000 square-foot plant is expected to be complete in 2012 and will hire 150 employees.

“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.

This facility will primarily manufacture eye pharmaceutical products such as medications for glaucoma and eye infections, as well as contact lens solutions and dry eye drops.