US medical device maker Alere sets up Rs 150-crore manufacturing facility in India

US-based portable molecular diagnostic products firm Alere Inc has set up its first integrated manufacturing facility in Manesar, near Delhi.

The unit will produce over 150 million cartridges that can be used for rapid tests for infectious diseases including malaria, dengue and HIV. The Rs 150-crore facility, spread across 180,000 sq. ft, will generate 300 new jobs and is capable of doubling its capacity, the company informed.

"Alere believes in Prime Minister Narendra 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. The new factory will produce rapid tests for infectious diseases including Malaria, Dengue and HIV, and export them across Asia Pacific, a region heavily impacted by these diseases," Namal Nawana, CEO & President, Alere Inc., said.

Alere employs 600 people in India and is the market leader in point-of-care diagnostic tests for dengue and malaria. The company is working closely with state governments and institutions like National Aids Control Organisation and Clinton Foundation.

The company will continue to focus on cardio metabolic diseases, infectious diseases and toxicology (Drugs of Abuse) solutions in India by providing affordable, sensitive, specific, user-friendly, devices for disease control & management, stated a press release.

The new facility is part of the company's  Asia-Pacific expansion plan, as it wants the Indian facility to cater to the growing demand for rapid diagnostics in APAC Region.