Schering-Plough Opens Two New Facilities in Singapore

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Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources, Incorporated; Houston, Texas). The Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE:SGP) (Madison, New Jersey) has reason to be proud. In fact they have two reasons to be proud with the opening of two new facilities in the emerging Asian chemical hub of Singapore. Industrialinfo.com had reported in late 2000 that the pharmaceutical giant was planning to construct the new units in Tuas, Singapore during the next three years to add to their existing complex. November 2002 marked the opening of the Biotech Sterile Facility and the Oral Solid Dosage Pharmaceutical Facility, with commercial production scheduled for 2003. The two projects combined represent an investment of approximately $180 million.

The Biotech Sterile Facility will produce Peg-Intron, which is a therapeutic treatment for those suffering with hepatitis C, and Remicade, a therapeutic treatment targeted at patients with Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. The facility utilizes lyophilization, which is an advanced freeze-drying process used in filling and packaging.

The Oral Solid Dosage Facility will manufacture ezetimibe, a cholesterol inhibitor, and loratadine and montelukast sodium, both of which treat asthma and allergies.

The engineering and construction contract for the two facilities was awarded to Jacobs Lend Lease, which is a joint venture between Jacobs Engineering Group, Incorporated (NYSE:JEC) (Pasadena, California) and Bovis Lend Lease (London, England). Jacobs utilized their international offices in Ireland and Singapore to accommodate the project.