Developments in pharmaceutical industry having ripple effects – PM

by Annaliza Borg 18 November 2011  Developments in the new, but growing, local pharmaceutical industry, are having ripple effects in the economy and the need to keep the highest quality standards is being reflected in enhanced transportation systems. The Ħal Far industrial estate, like a number of others, is currently being embellished as roadworks and landscaping are under way in a €17 million investment project by the Malta Industrial Parks. Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, together with Finance, the Economy and Investment Minister Tonio Fenech, yesterday visited Siegfried Generics, which opened shop in Malta four years ago, employing 20 people. It has invested constantly and by 2009, the number of employees went up to 39. This doubled to 80 this year and the plan is to have another 20 people employed by 2013, when an extension at the back of the factory, will be completed. The company made some €6.5 million in revenue by the end of last year and has invested €23 million. The next expansion project will see an investment of another €7 million. The building will be in the form of a tower double the height of the existing factory and will include a new warehouse, offices and labs.  Siegfried Generics employs 700 worldwide and started in 1873. Its headquarters are in Switzerland but has branches in the USA and in Malta. It also has joint ventures in China and Taiwan.  It concentrates on the development and manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and intermediates, as well as drug products. The Malta facility this year has achieved FDA approval for High-Potent process, validation of equipment and process for capsule filling. Dr Gonzi said the company employs people ranging from lab technicians to operators who have qualifications starting from O-level and A-Level standard, and then they are further trained by the company. Therefore, a variety of talents is sought. It is obvious the company is being successful because it is expanding to be able to stock more. The visit at this company has taken place three days after the budget, Dr Gonzi noted. Results it achieved are a product of measures undertaken in the past three budgets that will be consolidated next year. One of the company's challenges is to find human resources academically prepared for the field of specialisation. Dr Gonzi said the problem here, contrary to what is happening in other countries, is that we need more people, and employees to specialise in new industries like the pharmaceutical and financial services sectors. Since developments are also planned for the biomedical industry, with the building of the new biotechnology centre starting soon, students will need to specialise in this field as well. Sir Christopher Evans, owner of 40 companies, will be an ambassador for the centre and will help attract investment to Malta. A €200 million fund has been established for this reason.