Viatris Australia announces the opening of new critical medication production lines at its Carole Park manufacturing site with a focus on sustainable practices.
Brisbane, 16 August 2022 – Viatris Australia announces the opening of its new production lines to increase and support resilient capacity for the supply of critical medications to Australian patients. As one of the leading suppliers of medicines to the PBS by volume, the launch of a new stand-alone manufacturing suite at Viatris’ facility in Carole Park, Queensland will allow Viatris to produce approximately an additional 1 billion doses of medicine every year to support the secure supply of medicines. The site currently produces approximately three billion doses of medicine every year.
The suite has been developed with a grant of up to one million dollars from the Federal Government supporting its Sovereign Manufacturing Capability Plan, aiming to increase supply chain resilience across the healthcare systems in general and the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Country Manager of Viatris Australia, Sylvain Vigneault said, “Maintaining a reliable supply of medicines is always critical, but even more so – and often more challenging – during global pandemics. By combining our local manufacturing expertise with our strong global network of manufacturing facilities, Viatris helps get medicines to Australian patients whenever and wherever they may need them.”
The investment in the manufacturing site at Carole Park will support the supply of critical medicines and increase agility to respond to changing healthcare needs. It also ensures Carole Park is a key part of our global, diverse and flexible supply chain.
“Australia needs to have a plan to secure supplies of medications. By enhancing the capacity to manufacture medicines at Carole Park, Viatris Australia is leading the sector to be a source of stability in a world of evolving healthcare needs,” said Mr Vigneault.
Additionally, the Viatris manufacturing site is one of the biggest employers in the region, employing over 600 people across STEM industries. The new suite will look to expand the workforce by creating up to 25 manufacturing jobs and 10 scientific and engineering support jobs. This will further support the local economy and the people of Queensland.
The new addition is welcome news to Head of Operations at Viatris Australia, Rob Elliot, who has been part of the development of the site for over 38 years.
“We have been manufacturing medicines at Carole Park for 40 years. Our continued investment in the manufacturing site serves the local community, ensuring that the skills and expertise required for healthcare manufacturing will grow and be retained in Australia. We are particularly proud that the site has been developed in line with Viatris’ commitment to reduce its environmental impact and promotes sustainable and responsible operations,” said Mr. Elliot.
Viatris aims to reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2020 baseline. These near-term targets have been submitted to the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) for review and validation. The Carole Park site is supporting Viatris’ efforts to reduce GHG and these new production lines are designed to operate with greater efficiency reducing the amount of energy to manufacture products. The site has already replaced traditional lighting with LED lighting, has recycled approximately 250 tonnes of material and shifted to capture approximately 15 per cent of the water used at the site through rainwater.
By the end of November, it is anticipated that the production lines will be in use and begin supplying medicines across Australia and to other countries.
END Media Contact:Alicia Campagnolo
Communications Manager, Viatris Australia and New Zealand
M: 0449 902 687
E: alicia.campagnolo@viatris.com
Notes to the Editor:
About Viatris
Viatris Inc. (NASDAQ: VTRS) is a new kind of healthcare company, empowering people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life. We provide access to medicines, advance sustainable operations, develop innovative solutions and leverage our collective expertise to connect more people to more products and services through our one-of-a-kind Global Healthcare Gateway®. Formed in November 2020, Viatris brings together scientific, manufacturing and distribution expertise with proven regulatory, medical, and commercial capabilities to deliver high-quality medicines to patients in more than 165 countries and territories. Viatris' portfolio comprises more than 1,400 approved molecules across a wide range of therapeutic areas, spanning both non-communicable and infectious diseases, including globally recognised brands, complex generic and branded medicines, a portfolio of biosimilars and a variety of over-the-counter consumer products. With approximately 37,000 colleagues globally, Viatris is headquartered in the U.S., with global centers in Pittsburgh, Shanghai and Hyderabad, India. Learn more at viatris.com and investor.viatris.com, and connect with us on Twitter at @ViatrisInc, LinkedIn and YouTube.