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SINGAPORE : In a boost to Singapore's efforts to enhance its range of biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, gene chip manufacturer Illumina has set up a manufacturing facility in Singapore, investing S$30.5 million into its new plant in Woodlands.
It will produce chips used for DNA analysis, and the technology will be shipped to clients on a global scale.
Despite the current economic slowdown, Illumina believes that some areas within pharmaceutical and biomedical research are growing. And the genetic research technology firm aims to tap into the growth with its latest facility.
Illumina currently has manufacturing facilities in the US and UK, and said Singapore was the natural choice for an Asian base.
Joel McComb, senior vice president, Life Science Business, Illumina, said: "There are many reasons why Singapore is a good choice for us. If I had to put it down to the top one, I would say mainly it is the culture of Singapore, and the culture directly and indirectly ties to the people.
"What you have got is a very cosmopolitan community, highly-educated workforce and the ability to do business in Asia in a very friendly way."
The Singapore Economic Development Board noted that with Illumina's project, Singapore will now be responsible for more than 50 per cent of worldwide manufacturing capacity in gene chips. Other gene chip manufacturers here include Affymetrix.
More than half of Illumina's product demand comes from the US. And despite the current slowdown, the company is optimistic that demand from its research-based clientele will grow.
Derric Lee, general manager, Singapore Operations, Illumina, said: "If you look at the business, and if you look at our customers, a lot are funded by the government.
"And if you look at the economic situation, the government is going to spend more money on research, so we do not think the research will be impacted. In fact, we may see some additional stimulus for the business."
Illumina booked a revenue of US$580 million in 2008. This is expected to hit US$720 million this year, with the Singapore facility accounting for some 20 per cent.
The Singapore project currently has 117 staff on board, but this number is expected to grow. - CNA/ms
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