In a boost to Western Australia’s medical manufacturing sector, global pharmaceutical giant Bridgewest is revamping the former Pfizer facility in Bentley, thanks to a $2 million matching grant from the Cook Government. Named NovaCina, this facility, known for producing oncology drugs and sterile hospital injectables, is now set for a major upgrade to broaden its medical product range.
This investment, part of the Cook Government’s Investment Attraction Fund, is poised to create nearly 70 new local jobs and employ 31 contractors during the construction phase. The facility’s expansion includes adding an automated line for products like eye droppers and a new packaging line, enhancing the onshore commercialisation of Australian innovations and reducing reliance on imported products.
Medical manufacturing presents an important opportunity for WA – helping to diversify our economy and create local jobs, while contributing to the global need for quality medical products.
WA Premier, Hon Roger Cook MLA
The Premier praised Bridgewest’s recognition of WA as a fertile ground for investment, reinforcing the government’s commitment to nurturing local job opportunities.
Echoing these sentiments, Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson lauded WA’s growing influence in the biotech and life sciences sectors.
“Western Australian innovation and investment in biotech and life sciences are bringing about immense opportunities for improved and extended lives, all around the globe,” he said.
Since Bridgewest Perth Pharma’s acquisition of the facility in 2023, over 400 local jobs have been secured. This development is a testament to WA’s thriving life sciences sector, which has more than doubled in the past five years, employing nearly 24,000 Western Australians across over 244 companies.
The Investment Attraction Fund aims to stimulate new investments, create local jobs, and diversify WA’s economy. To date, it has allocated over $148 million to 40 job-creating projects statewide, and is administered by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation.
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