Sydney manufacturing operations to change - GlaxoSmithKline Australia

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Australia announced today that the manufacture of toothpaste products will cease in Australia, Sydney by December 2011.

GSK ‘s Sydney Manufacturing Site Director, Graham Wrigglesworth said “Unfortunately this change will impact about 55 positions and through the transition we will work closely with those effected to look at alternative positions within the company or suitable retirement or redundancy plans.”

Globally, GSK continually evaluates its operations to remain competitive in an ever changing market. Recently, Australia was chosen globally as the Centre of Excellence for the manufacture of pain relief medicines such as Panadol.

“Toothpaste will be manufactured overseas so we can focus on what we are best at – manufacturing pain relief medicines such as Panadol and Panedine,” Mr Wrigglesworth said.

Over the last decade GMS Sydney has developed a successful export business, supplying products to 22 countries and in 2009 represented 40% of product volume.

GSK Australia employs about 1600 people and operate 4 manufacturing sites; Ermington, NSW; Boronia, Victoria; Port Fairy, Victoria and Latrobe, Tasmania.

GSK toothpaste brands are Macleans and Sensodyne.

GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com.au

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Enquiries

Lisa Maguire, Associate Director Corporate Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline (03) 9721 6637