Otsuka sets up drug unit in Rajasthan; production to start next week

Kotputli (Rajasthan), May 16 (UNI) With all production facilities in place, Otsuka Chemical India Ltd (OCIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Japanese pharma major Otsuka Chemical Co, will commence production of the bulk drug intermediate GCLE from next week.

The automated manufacturing facility, set up on 20 acres of land in this this Tehsil, entails an investment of Rs 150 crore. It has been set up in Keshwana Rajput village near Kotputli.

OCIL Managing Director Hiroyoshi Tosa told visiting correspondents that Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) has been supportive in setting up the plant acting as a facilitator in getting approvals and sorting out other bureaucratic hassles.

The plant with a capacity of 500 tonnes annually will cater to clients like Ranbaxy, Lupin, Nectar and Auribindo.

The facility will be dedicated in the manufacturing of GCLE, an advance Cephalosporin antibiotic intermediate, used for the production of many life saving Cephalosporin Antibiotics.

Talking about future plans , Mr Tosa said the 10-billion-dollar parent company will set up a second facility in 10 acres of land near the present plant with an estimated investment of Rs 100 crore.

''The second facility will increase the capacity of manufacturing to 1,000 tonnes'' Mr Tosa added.

Mr Tosa said setting up of a plant in India will save 10-15 per cent of the cost that company would otherwise incur due to import from Japan.

The chemical will be available for 115 dollar per kilogram and the company plans to meet the 600-700 tonnes of market requirement in the country.

UNI PDT SR US1923