Sigma factory a shot in the arm

THE Sigma Pharmaceuticals empire has landed in Greater Dandenong with the opening of the company’s $63 million Dandenong South factory last week.
The publicly listed company is responsible for Herron and Amcal brands, among others.
The new Dandenong-Frankston Road facility has elevated Sigma to the largest Australian pharmaceuticals manufacturer by volume.
Federal Health Minister Tony Abbott, Sigma board members, Greater Dandenong chief executive John Bennie and Pharmacy Guild of Australia president Kos Sclavos officially opened the new facility, which ranks as the largest manufacturing investment by an Australian corporation in the past five years.
Sigma chief executive Elmo de Alwis said the opening also reinforced Greater Dandenong’s strength as a manufacturing region.
“The upgraded facility is expected to deliver significant ongoing efficiency gains,” Mr de Alwis said.
“Sigma has established additional capacity that will allow us to increase our over-the-counter and new generic products from the Arrow group and look for further contract manufacturing opportunities as they arise.”
Mr de Alwis said Sigma began in 1912 and had a long history in Australia.
“As an Australian company we have a strong commitment to investing in Australia and generating employment and value in this country,” he said.
“This flows on to our workforce, as around 66 per cent of our employees own shares in the company.
“Significantly, the new facility has incorporated a number of sustainable ecological-friendly measures to ensure Sigma minimises any environmental impact on the community.”