- Published:
- Tuesday 13 October 2015
Industry Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has turned the first sod for construction of a $135 million dollar global headquarters for Australia’s largest locally-owned pharmaceutical company in Dandenong south.
The new headquarters for Ego Pharmaceuticals includes a distribution centre and new manufacturing facility. Stage one of the project is expected to be finished by late 2017 and will create 200 new jobs.
The Andrews Labor Government provided support for the company’s planning application to enable the development of infrastructure at the site over the next 25 years.
Ego Pharmaceuticals employs 295 people in Victoria and a further 155 people interstate and overseas. The company has more than doubled its workforce over the past five years and currently exports 34 per cent of its products to global markets.
The Labor Government recently awarded Ego Pharmaceuticals with the 2015 Governor of Victoria Export Health and Biotechnology Award for outstanding international success in healthcare.
Medical technology and pharmaceuticals is one of the six key growth sectors the Labor Government has identified under the $200 million Future Industries Fund. This fund will help transition the Victorian economy through targeted investment to grow industries and create jobs.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Industry Lily D’Ambrosio
“This $135 million project will create 200 new jobs and help grow the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Victoria.”
“This major investment by Ego Pharmaceuticals cements Victoria’s position as a leading centre for pharmaceutical manufacturing and ensures the company’s products continue to be manufactured in Melbourne for the Australian and global market.”
Quotes attributable to Ego Pharmaceuticals Managing Director Alan Oppenheim
“This development will enable us to grow exponentially and continue to drive our manufacturing and export business, it secures the future of our business in Victoria to continue to grow and innovate as industry leaders to meet the needs of our consumers.”
“We are proud to be driving this growth from Victoria to the world. Australian manufacturing and exporting has significant benefits to the wider economy and we’re committed to continuing to innovate, invest in Australians and lead the industry with our world class practices from state of the art facilities.”