Pfizer to open new pharmaceutical manufacturing plant at KAEC

This has been announced in a major groundbreaking and foundation stone lay down ceremony that took place recently on site and attended by Abdulatif Bin Ahmed Al Othman, Governor of the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA), Mohanud Hilal, Secretary General of Economic Cities Authority in KSA, senior government officials and Pfizer senior global and regional management personnel led by Guy Lallemand, Regional President Pfizer Africa and Middle East, Bulent Atlig, Vice President Emerging Markets, Pfizer Global Supply, Keith Dennie, Vice President Operations, Pfizer AfME and Hussein El Hakim, Country Manager, Pfizer Saudi Arabia.

Incorporating medicine solid dose manufacturing, packaging, and warehousing facilities, the new plant will seize the total land area of 32,234 m2 and will be operational in 2015. At the total production capacity of 18 million packs per year, the facility will produce a broad range of Pfizer's medicines currently supplied to KSA.

The development will also facilitate the transfer of Pfizer's expertise to the local market in Saudi, ensuring production meets Pfizer's rigorous and globally recognised quality standards.

"While the Saudi government is focused on encouraging, attracting and facilitating world-class inward investment especially in knowledge-based and life science industries being a top economic priority, we are sending a very strong and positive message to the world - that Saudi Arabia is set to transform the economy and its infrastructure to host and support knowledge-based industry leaders and manufactures like Pfizer." said Abdulatif Al Othman, SAGIA Governor, "Pfizer's decision and commitment to set up its first ever manufacturing facility throughout the GCC on the land of Saudi Arabia is a clear signal that SAGIA's vision to make Saudi Arabia a major hub between East and West is attainable." Added Al Othman

Pfizer's new manufacturing facility will be instrumental in providing Saudi patients with improved access to Pfizer broad portfolio of medicines. It will also contribute to the commercial and economic development of the national economy together with to creating new employment opportunities for skilled talents in Saudi Arabia.

Keith Dennie, Vice President Operations, AfME, highlighted that the manufacturing facility will enhance Pfizer presence and operations in KSA being a major regional market with a high growth potential.

"We intend that the new facility will serve the growing needs of the Kingdom now and in the future," added Dennie "this is the first such partnership that Pfizer has established in the GCC, and one that we hope is a foundation for the future."

"With a growing population and high prevalence of endemic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, Saudi Arabia healthcare need is on rise." said Hussein El Hakim, Country Manager, Pfizer Saudi Arabia.

"Bringing Pfizer manufacturing facility project from agreement to execution and reality was commitment we made back on 2nd October 2011 when we first inked the project agreement with Emaar to help respond to these growing needs. Today, we deliver on the promise to supporting the local community, and finding innovative ways to share best practices, knowledge and skills, as well as partnering with the Saudi Government, MOH, SFDA and SAGIA to improve access to the medicines that the population of Saudi Arabia need the most,"

"For us, investing in setting up a world-class manufacturing facility in Saudi is not only a rewarding business opportunity, but also a commitment to the health and wellbeing of the people of Saudi Arabia." continued El Hakim.

He hopes that the new manufacturing facility will mark the establishment of a foundation for many future partnerships.

Fahd Al Rasheed MD & CEO King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) said that the city has become a hub for many global and local companies investing in KSA, "Healthcare sector is of a special interest to us owing to the quality new jobs it creates, its direct reflection on people health and citizens wellbeing" added Al-Rasheed.

Pfizer Pharmaceutical manufacturing plant will be built at the Industrial Valley, King Abdullah Economic City, on the west coast of the Red Sea, north of Jeddah. The Industrial Valley occupies 63 million square meter representing 37% of the total city land area. It will encompass a range of specialized industrial complexes including downstream plastic products, knowledge-based pharmaceutical and life science industries, construction materials, food, beverage and FMCG product industries and many others.