Sandoz closing Mumbai API plant but says it remains committed to India
The Turbhe site in Mumbai is one of three Indian manufacturing facilities owned by Sandoz but in a statement sent to this publication, the firm said the facility will close by the end of 2016.
According to the generics-focused Novartis subsidiary, Sandoz is refocusing its manufacturing setup in India as part of a general strategy to optimize its global manufacturing network.
The site employs around 170 workers and makes active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and antibiotics from its two facilities. One facility produces cephalosporin products while the other makes the API for β-lactam compound carbapenam API, as well as and sterile injectables.
“We made the announcement today to ensure our associates are informed as soon as possible about our decisions and to ensure a transparent process,” said Sandoz Country Head in India, Vivek Devaraj.
“We are committed to managing the process with the utmost care, sensitivity and respect for all impacted associates at Turbhe, to supporting our customers through the transition and to meeting patient needs for access to important medicines.”
Despite the announced closure, Sandoz says it remains committed to India and the Indian market through its other two sites – the Mahad API facility and the Kalwe oral solid dosage, both located in the Maharashtra State – which produce over three billion tablets and 180 tonnes of API annually, as well as employing over 1,300 people.
