Oct 02, 2020 (LBO) - Morison PLC, a subsidiary of Hemas Holdings PLC opened its new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and research and development facility in Homagama, Friday.
The new facility with an investment of US 18.5 million dollars is the first European Union-Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) compliant oral solid dosage manufacturing plant in Sri Lanka.
Morison is committed to increasing access of high-quality, affordable medicines to all Sri Lankans and has a capacity to supply over 20 percent of the island's tablet needs.
The new plant is designed for minimum human intervention to prevent human error and includes cutting edge equipment such as the fully automated liquid manufacturing and packing lines, fully-fledged chemical and microbiology labs, separate air handling units to control environment conditions and is a also equipped with Enterprise Resource Planning software.
The plant also has the first zero liquid discharge waste water systems in the country.
The occasion was graced by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa several Cabinet Ministers and dignitaries.
Speaking at the ceremony, Murtaza Esufally, Managing Director, Morison PLC said, “The launch of the new state-of the-art manufacturing facility marks a new era for Morison PLC, continuing our 80-year long mission to offer the highest quality products at affordable prices. This investment is supported through the guaranteed buy-back agreements that will help us to build economies of scale and be more competitive in global markets. Continued government support will enable us create a stronger footprint in exports and begin contract manufacture partnerships with global Pharma companies, helping Sri Lanka earn valuable foreign exchange as we look to the future.”
GMP compliance requires that medicines are of consistent high quality and are appropriate for their intended use. EU GMP is an essential requirement to be a credible pharmaceutical manufacturer and exporter to global, regulated markets.
“We at Morison continue to look forward to delivering the highest quality products by partnering with global pharmaceutical leaders, with whom Hemas is privileged to have strong, legacy relationships. We will explore this new phase of growth in conformance with global protocols and regulations, through the formulation of new products and the development of opportunities in new markets”, Esufally continued.
“Our partnership with SLINTEC will advance our strides in formulation research through the deployment of nano and advanced technology” he added.
Morison produces 75 different formulations of medicine and intends to grow that portfolio in the coming years to address Sri Lanka’s growing medicinal needs, especially in the sphere of non-communicable diseases. Its new plant has an annual production capacity of 5 billion tablets and 10 million bottles of medicine working at peak capacity on double shift, and aims to improve employment opportunities with the creation of 250 skilled jobs.
The strength of the factory lies not only in its manufacturing capabilities. It also lies in its ability to create more skilled jobs and uplift the Homagama community through exposure of pharmaceutical sciences to the schools in the area and by working with higher educational institutions for internships and joint research.