Abbott launches nutrition pilot plant in Singapore

GLOBAL healthcare company Abbott has opened its first nutrition pilot plant in Asia here in Singapore.

Located in Tuas, it will also serve as the group's second research and development (R&D) hub outside of the US.

Aside from enabling the firm to respond swiftly to the changing healthcare needs of consumers in Asia, its presence in Singapore will also allow Abbott to incorporate local flavours, the company said.

"This new facility allows us to more rapidly pair nutrition science innovation with local tastes and texture preferences, delivering products consumers need to live a healthy life," said Dr Robert Miller, divisional vice-president of R&D, scientific and medical affairs at Abbott Nutrition. "We're establishing nutrition centres of excellence around the world to accelerate research and respond quickly to consumers' rapidly evolving lifestyle needs."

"We are excited to see Abbott leveraging Singapore's support ecosystem, for R&D and consumer insights, to accelerate its product innovation and commercialisation for Asia and beyond," said Kevin Lai, executive director of consumer businesses for the Economic Development Board.