Whiteley opens $25 million Human Therapeutics Plant at Tomago

Whiteley Corporation, a family-owned maker of cleaning and disinfection products, has officially opened its new $25 million purpose-built Human Therapeutics Plant at Tomago, NSW.

According to a statement from the company last week, the event at Whiteley’s first-of-its-kind plant was attended by over 100 guests, including NSW Port Stephens MP Kate Washington (pictured on right.)

The site will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for the ANZ market and is expected to create 30 new jobs “across research, manufacturing, compliance and operations” once fully operational.

The 92-year-old family-owned business’s Executive Chairman, Dr Greg Whiteley, said the sector they operated in “has long been dominated by multinational corporations. This plant levels the playing field and puts the Hunter region at the centre of therapeutic manufacturing in Australia.

Whiteley (pictured left) said: “This facility is a long-term investment in Australian science, Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing.”

According to the company, it exports to more than 35 international markets, and, within Australia, “is the largest manufacturer of hospital-grade disinfectants and high-level infection control solutions”.

Its new site is designed to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is intended as a hub for collaborative research with Australian universities, focussing on tackling antimicrobial resistance and chronic biofilm-mediated infections.

The company’s collaborative R&D includes with the University of Newcastle, University of Sydney and Western Sydney University.

“This is more than a factory. It’s a platform for scientific innovation and global competitiveness,” said Whiteley.

“We’re proud to be turning Australian research into real-world therapeutic products that are made in the Hunter to serve the healthcare system long into the future.”

Washington added: “Whiteley is an award-winning local manufacturer that’s strengthened Port Stephens position as a manufacturing powerhouse – by expanding its operations and our local economy.

“I congratulate the wonderful Whiteley team for its commitment to making more world-leading infection prevention products, right here in the Hunter.”

Picture: credit Whiteley Corporation

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