A new $12 million pharmaceutical distribution facility has opened in Dandenong South in Melbourne’s south east.
The facility will manage the distribution of all pharmaceutical and consumer products by Ascent Pharmahealth and Central Healthcare Services within the Australian market, and for the distribution of all Eris Pharmaceuticals’ products to local and export markets.
The facility is expected to create 100 new jobs by the end of 2012.
Victorian Minister for Technology and member for South Eastern metropolitan region, Gordon Rich-Phillips, said the investment in the pharmaceutical distribution centre would strengthen Victoria’s export sector.
“This expansion within the biotechnology sector reinforces Victoria’s strong position as a regional hub for logistics and distribution in the industry,” Rich-Phillips said.
The facility includes a 10,000 square metre warehouse and office space. It includes grey water and recycled rain water, as well as a climate controlled warehouse programmed to circulate ambient air from outside, when the temperature falls into range.
According to Rich-Phillips, Victoria is a major centre for Australia’s medical and pharmaceutical sector, and has a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing base that supports exports in excess of $1 billion every year.
“We are committed to bolstering Victoria’s productivity to provide both industry and employment growth, and this opening is further testimony to Victoria’s cost-competitive business environment and ability to attract Australian and global headquarters to our State,” Rich-Phillips said.
Image: www.parliament.vic.gov.au