Medtronic Expands Operations in Singapore

Medtronic has opened offices in Singapore to oversee the Minneapolis, Minn.-based firm’s operations in Asia and internationally.

The company also will open a new manufacturing facility in Changi South, Singapore, to “meet anticipated demand for cardiac devices in Asia,” according to a statement by the firm.

“The opening of our … manufacturing facility in Singapore is a very exciting development for Medtronic as we anticipate significant growth of the medical device industry in Asia, and it will enable us to meet this rising need in an increasingly important market. By setting up our ASIA (ASEAN, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand) and international headquarters in Singapore, we are well placed to leverage on this growth and serve even more patients and customers in the future,” said Jean-Luc Butel, executive vice president and group president of Medtronic International.

The facility will produce Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management devices, and production is expected to begin at the start of 2011.

“We are heartened by Medtronic’s confidence in Singapore’s reputation as a choice location for high quality medical device manufacturing and development in Asia,” said Gan Kim Yong, Singapore’s minister for manpower. “Our high-quality work force is one key reason why Singapore continues to be successful in attracting long-term investments …,” he said.

The company intends to hire local employees for its Singapore manufacturing facility, according to Joon Hurh, vice president, ASIA.

“We place much emphasis on staff development, and will be embarking on a hiring drive for outstanding local talent soon. Medtronic aims to hire and train more than 100 skilled staff over the next two years as production ramps up,” he said.