Aiming Export Alere Inc Starts Manufacturing Hub In India

Alere Inc, a leading manufacturer in point-of-care (POC) diagnostics, has opened its new state-of-the-art diagnostics manufacturing facility in Manesar, Haryana, with an investment of Rs 150 crore, aiming to make it as an export hub for the Asia-Pacific region.

The new factory will produce rapid tests for the detection of infectious diseases including malaria, dengue and HIV and also export them across the Asia-Pacific region, which is heavily impacted by these diseases.

"Alere believes in Prime Minister Modi's vision of 'Make in India,' and is committed to improving access to affordable rapid diagnostics in India and throughout the Asia Pacific region through this new world-class manufacturing facility," said Namal Nawana, chief executive officer at Alere.

"In particular, the Malaria tests manufactured in Manesar will help support the Government's goal of eradicating this deadly disease in India by 2020," Namal added.

The US based manufacturer, Alere, is also working with various state governments like Odisha, Chattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh in malaria eradicating programmes. It is also working with the Punjab government to bring down the level of drug abuse in the state.

The Manesar facility will initially produce 150 million rapid diagnostic tests annually and will have the capacity to double production to more than 300 million tests in next few years.

Globally, Alere manufactures more than 1.5 billion tests annually and works with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other partners to make the company's rapid diagnostic tests affordable and accessible for those who need them.

The newly converted facility at Manesar will initially employ a staff of approximately 300 people.

The company also added that through establishment of the Manesar factory, it is making a significant investment in India's manufacturing industry, economy and people. The new facility supports the goals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Make in India" initiative, which seeks to transform India into a global manufacturing hub.