One of Australia's largest pharmaceutical manufacturers is expanding production in Melbourne's southeast, creating jobs and boosting exports.
Minister for Industry and Innovation and Manufacturing Sovereignty Ben Carroll today announced Andrews Labor Government support for Ego Pharmaceuticals' $35 million project to increase production capacity at its Braeside manufacturing site by 50 per cent and create 90 new jobs.
The company produces more than 150 dermatological skincare products for local and international markets, with its brands including QV, SunSense, Elucent and Aquim.
From humble beginnings 70 years ago when founders Gerald and Rae Oppenheim began creating skincare products out of their Elsternwick home, Ego Pharmaceuticals has grown into a leading global brand with more than 730 employees in 15 countries, including around 400 employees in Victoria.
Ego Pharmaceuticals' products are stocked in more than 20 countries and exports across Asia, the Middle East and the United Kingdom now make up half its business.
From sunscreen products to hand sanitiser and gentle skin lotions, Ego Pharmaceuticals has manufactured all its products in Victoria for 70 years.
Through initiatives such as the $2 billion Breakthrough Victoria Fund, the $20 million Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre and the Manufacturing and Industry Development Fund, the Labor Government is supporting the state's $31 billion manufacturing industry - ensuring Victoria remains the manufacturing state.
As stated by Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll
"Ego Pharmaceuticals' decision to expand its operations in Victoria demonstrates the strength of our nation-leading advanced manufacturing industry and highly skilled workers."
"We'll continue to back local manufacturers because it builds our capacity to make more things in Victoria and creates secure jobs."
As stated by the Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson
"This support for Ego Pharmaceuticals will boost the local economy and create new job opportunities in the area."
As stated by Ego Pharmaceuticals Managing Director Alan Oppenheim
"Keeping our high-technology manufacturing in Australia has and always will be important to us. This grant will help us further in creating good jobs to support our local economy as we continue to grow and will enable Ego to transform more lives through the science of healthy skin across many nations."
