Sandoz opens third plant in India

Global generic drugs producer Sandoz has opened its third plant in India at Navi Mumbai with annual production capacity of one billion tablets and capsules.

"The new unit, built at a cost of $13 million, has a capacity to produce one billion tablets and capsules annually and is designed to conform to US FDA standards," Sandoz CEO Christian Seiwald said.

With the opening of the new unit, Sandoz has taken another step in becoming an important source of manufacturing for regulated markets, Seiwald said.

The company would increase its headcount in the country to 1,200 from the present 1,000, he said, adding that India would be a major contributor to Sandoz's future plans.

Sandoz has two units at Kolshet (Thane) and Turbhe (Navi Mumbai).

The Turbhe site is dedicated to the manufacture of oral cephalosporins for all the regulated and non-regulated markets, he said, adding the unit has received approval from the US FDA for API manufacturing and EU approval for formulation manufacturing.