New Facility Represents Its First Outward Investment Into Africa
Dubai 29 January 2013 - UAE- based pharmaceutical giant Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries (Julphar), together with their local partner Medtech Ethiopia announced today that the opening ceremony of its first African manufacturing facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, will be held on the 6th February. Government representatives, healthcare decision makers and UAE key opinion leaders are expected to attend the ceremony.
The Julphar Ethiopia plant is located in the Gerji Jakros region of the Ethiopian capital. It is a 40,000 square feet facility that will produce solid and liquid dosage forms of medicines. The plant has been constructed through Julphar's engineering and construction division and is cGMP compliant and working towards international accreditation.
Once fully operational the plant will produce per annum 25 million bottles of suspension and syrup, 500 million tablets and 200 million capsules. The new plant is equipped with state-of-the-art technology enabling production of Julphar products not only for the local market but also across the African continent. Julphar has invested 170 million birrs in the construction of the plant.
Recruitment of 50 local staff is currently underway across areas of Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Production and Maintenance, Regulatory Affairs and various Administration roles. This will cover the initial stage. Further and ongoing recruitment will occur as the plant becomes fully operational.
Julphar's local partner Medtech manages the sales and marketing of the products. Dr Mohamed Nuri, CEO of Medtech said: "Ethiopia is an important market with a growing population that has a tremendous need for easier access to quality medicines. The opening of this facility will enable us not only to be a vital supplier to the local market but way beyond across the whole continent. We have worked in alignment with the Ethiopian government and other global health organizations in the planning of this facility and we are excited about the impact this will have on the local healthcare platform."
Commenting on their expansion, Dr Ayman Sahli, CEO of Julphar said "This is a significant announcement for Julphar and a huge step forward in terms of our international expansion and development. Julphar is proud to play a role in the development of Ethiopia."
Julphar is a public shareholding company based in Ras Al Khaimah (UAE). It was established in 1980 under the guidance of H H Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, and is currently a leader in the production and distribution of pharmaceutical products in over 50 countries.
Since inception, Julphar remains committed to meeting the needs of an evolving society and playing an instrumental role in global healthcare development. Its approach to a fast paced market is to focus on strategic initiatives, quality product development and ensuring responsible practices.
Julphar's goal is to create innovative and high-quality products, whilst maintaining a competitive cost. This is achieved through an enhanced organizational structure consisting of twelve world-class plants based in the UAE, and a reliable transportation network which covers five continents.
Julphar contains a diverse portfolio of products which targets a large range of major therapeutic segments, including cardiovascular, diabetes, gynecology and other consumer products.
Julphar is well positioned to meet tomorrow's healthcare challenges.
For further information please contact Liz Bamford, The PR Company, 050 551 5971, liz@the-prcompany.com or Samantha Armstrong 050 1582958 samantha@the-prcompany.com
© Press Release 2013
