GSK starts work on new pharmaceutical factory in India

When fully operational in 2017, the factory will make more than 8 billion tablets and 1 billion capsules in the areas of gastroenterology and anti-inflammatory medicines for the Indian market.

The facility will be built on a 50-acre site in Vemgal, Karnataka. The factory is expected to employ in the region of 300 people once in operation.

The new manufacturing facility is part of GSK’s continued commitment to India, ensuring increased access to GSK medicines for people in the country. The factory will be built in partnership with international and local design and construction companies. The facility will also include a warehouse, site infrastructure, employee welfare centre and utilities to support the manufacturing and packing of the medicines.

Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah laid the foundation stone witnessed by Lord Francis Maude, the UK’s Trade & Industry Minister.

Siddaramaiah said: "GSK Pharmaceuticals Limited’s state-of-the-art plant in Kolar District is yet another major investment by a multinational company in Karnataka which hopefully, will prompt other companies to come and invest in the State."

GSK Pharmaceuticals managing director of India Annaswamy Vaidheesh said: "GSK has been at the forefront of serving the healthcare needs of India for more than 90 years. We fully support the Government in their efforts to increase access to affordable medicines to improve healthcare and we are very excited to begin work on what will become our largest manufacturing facility in India. With this new facility, we aim to further strengthen our commitment to helping the patients in India to improve their health and wellbeing."