GSK announces multi-million dollar investment in next generation manufacturing

The expansion will include the introduction of the latest high speed ‘Blow-Fill-Seal’ machinery specifically developed for advanced aseptic packing of sterile pharmaceutical liquids. 

Blow-Fill-Seal manufacturing has been a focal area for GSK’s Boronia facility for 25 years, with the site providing developed and emerging markets with high quality, low cost pharmaceutical products. 

The latest Blow-Fill-Seal machine will be dedicated for the manufacturing of Ventolin (salbutamol sulfate) nebules and will allow the facility to meet increased demands from emerging markets in particular China, Turkey and Brazil where patients look for low cost, accessible treatments for asthma. 

Geoff McDonald, VP and General Manager Pharmaceuticals, GSK Australia said “Over the past four decades we have invested more in respiratory than any other company. Our focus and expertise in this area has allowed us tremendous insight into patient needs across the world. Investing in improved presentations and manufacturing innovation is just one way we can continue to address these.” 

Gregor McNab, Regional Supply Chain Head Pharmaceuticals, GSK Asia Pacific and North Asiahas further emphasised the business’s continued focus on access and the importance of innovation. ‘‘Cutting edge manufacturing technology plays a vital role for advancing global public health, particularly in emerging markets where affordability can be an issue. By applying the latest technology to our existing practices we can increase our efficiency, lower costs and improve access of our medicines to those who need them’’ he said. 

Meeting in Sydney today ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott have also echoed their support for the investment and GSK’s commitment to Australian manufacturing for the benefit of expanded access to medicines around the world. 

Prime Minister David Cameron said "This investment illustrates the strength of the UK-Australia trade relationship and I'm delighted that British scientific know how is stimulating growth and new advancements across the world". 

Prime Minister Tony Abbott welcomed the significant investment in the Victorian and Australian economies. 

This announcement is part of a series of sizeable investments GSK has made in recent years to strengthen its manufacturing capabilities in both Australia and the UK. These include a previous investment of $AUD60million in Boronia to advance the site’s Blow-Fill-Seal capability, new state-of-the-art equipment across a number of sites in the UK and the establishment of two new UK-based facilities specifically focused at harnessing innovative technologies and supporting the business’s growing pipeline. 

The new Blow-Fill-Seal machine is expected to become operational in Boronia in January 2016. 

Notes to editor: 

• Hi- res photographs available on request.
• GSK’s manufacturing facility in Boronia is the company’s largest globally for the production of sterile and non-sterile liquid products.
• Blow-Fill-Seal can be used in a range of therapeutic areas from the delivery of IV fluids and nebulised solutions to injectible liquids as well as eye drops and nasal devices. 

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