A NEW pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Derrimut is set to create 120 jobs after construction is finished.
After airline Qantas last week announced it would cut up to 5000 jobs across the country, a glimmer of hope was offered for workers in the West with the news global healthcare company Fresenius Kabi will be setting up shop in Castro Way.
Their $47 million pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and distribution centre will include positions such as manufacturing operators, engineers and quality specialists.
The company plans for their centre to become operational by next year.
Premier Denis Napthine said Fresenius Kabi supplied intravenous therapies to Australian hospitals and specialist clinics for use in surgery, emergency departments and intensive care.
“Fresenius Kabi Australia offers a wide range of products and services, including infusion treatments, oncology compounding and generic drugs,” he said.
“This new facility represents a significant vote of confidence in Victoria’s healthcare industry and the state economy.”
The Fresenius Kabi centre will be operational 24 hours a day to meet demand from hospitals.
The Derrimut facility will be built with a grant from the State Government.
“The Victorian Government is pleased to have utilised our $55 million Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future – Biotechnology to partner with Fresenius Kabi and establish this cutting-edge facility here in Victoria,” Mr Napthine said.
Technology Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said the announcement has confirmed Victoria’s reputation as a world-class hub of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
“Victoria is home to nearly a third of the nation’s medical and pharmaceutical companies, including CSL and Sigma Pharmaceuticals, and we continue to attract investment and research and development capability from around the world,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
In 2011, Mr Rich-Phillips launched Victoria’s Technology Plan for the Future – Biotechnology to focus on developing the industry and linking in with other types of businesses.
