Haleon invests $12m in Panadol
Haleon Pakistan has announced a fresh investment of $12 million to expand its manufacturing capacity, focusing on scaling up Panadol production. The move aims to meet growing domestic demand and ensure consistent availability of the widely used pain relief medicine.
Speaking at Haleon's head office, CEO and General Manager Qawi Naseer said the company's 2022 demerger from GSK enabled it to focus exclusively on consumer healthcare. This shift has given the company greater autonomy to invest locally, innovate brands, and support community initiatives.
Over the past three years, Haleon has made significant progress, including local production of Centrum, now available in both domestic and export markets. Naseer said the new $12 million investment is part of a broader plan to enhance production capabilities, subject to regulatory approvals.
"Pakistan offers immense investment potential, but what's needed is policy consistency. Long-term economic frameworks of 5 to 10 years, advocated by bodies like The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI) and The Pakistan Business Council (PBC), are crucial for boosting investor confidence," he said. He also praised the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for its pro-industry policies and regulatory support.
The announcement comes as Pakistan's pharmaceutical sector shows signs of renewed strength, driven by macroeconomic stability and recent regulatory reforms. Analyst Muryum Palekar of Optimus Capital Management said deregulation of non-essential medicines, comprising 58% of the sector, has given long sought after firms pricing flexibility, improving margins despite modest volume growth.
Palekar noted that population growth, urbanisation, and rising health awareness are structural trends supporting long-term growth. She named AGP, Abbot (ABOT), and GSK (GLAXO) as top investment picks, with the sector trading at a discount despite improving fundamentals.
Historically tied to currency fluctuations, the sector is now benefiting from a more stable exchange rate and normalised raw material prices. In 2024, the pharma sector on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) delivered a 228% return, driven by deregulation and improved macro conditions.
With local manufacturing expanding and market conditions improving, Haleon's new investment signals growing confidence in Pakistan's pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem.
On International Self?Care Day, Naseer discussed the company's ongoing investment strategy, self-care philosophy, and commitment to Pakistan. He confirmed that Haleon's new factory in Jamshoro is under construction and invited stakeholders to visit once the project is completed to experience it "in its prime". The site will increase Panadol production from 6 billion to 8 billion tablets annually. Future investments depend on DRAP's approvals.
"Our global team has full confidence in Pakistan's potential," Naseer said. He added that the facility meets top international standards, including automated, touch?free packaging to ensure product purity.
Naseer highlighted Pakistan's position as the fifth most populous country, with rising healthcare demand. He credited investor optimism to the passion and talent of Pakistani professionals, whom he compared favourably to global counterparts.
Despite challenges such as energy, water, and logistics constraints, Haleon has taken proactive steps to mitigate risks. The Jamshoro facility is now 98% solar-powered, and an on-site RO water filtration system ensures a steady supply.
He concluded by stressing the need for stable economic policies and consistent regulatory frameworks, which are critical to attracting foreign investment and sustaining long-term growth.
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Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
Haleon invests $12m in Panadol
Listen to article Haleon Pakistan has announced a fresh investment of $12 million to expand its manufacturing capacity, focusing on scaling up Panadol production. The move aims to meet growing domestic demand and ensure consistent availability of the widely used pain relief medicine. Speaking at Haleon's head office, CEO and General Manager Qawi Naseer said the company's 2022 demerger from GSK enabled it to focus exclusively on consumer healthcare. This shift has given the company greater autonomy to invest locally, innovate brands, and support community initiatives. Over the past three years, Haleon has made significant progress, including local production of Centrum, now available in both domestic and export markets. Naseer said the new $12 million investment is part of a broader plan to enhance production capabilities, subject to regulatory approvals. "Pakistan offers immense investment potential, but what's needed is policy consistency. Long-term economic frameworks of 5 to 10 years, advocated by bodies like The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OICCI) and The Pakistan Business Council (PBC), are crucial for boosting investor confidence," he said. He also praised the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for its pro-industry policies and regulatory support. The announcement comes as Pakistan's pharmaceutical sector shows signs of renewed strength, driven by macroeconomic stability and recent regulatory reforms. Analyst Muryum Palekar of Optimus Capital Management said deregulation of non-essential medicines, comprising 58% of the sector, has given long sought after firms pricing flexibility, improving margins despite modest volume growth. Palekar noted that population growth, urbanisation, and rising health awareness are structural trends supporting long-term growth. She named AGP, Abbot (ABOT), and GSK (GLAXO) as top investment picks, with the sector trading at a discount despite improving fundamentals. Historically tied to currency fluctuations, the sector is now benefiting from a more stable exchange rate and normalised raw material prices. In 2024, the pharma sector on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) delivered a 228% return, driven by deregulation and improved macro conditions. With local manufacturing expanding and market conditions improving, Haleon's new investment signals growing confidence in Pakistan's pharmaceutical and healthcare ecosystem. On International Self?Care Day, Naseer discussed the company's ongoing investment strategy, self-care philosophy, and commitment to Pakistan. He confirmed that Haleon's new factory in Jamshoro is under construction and invited stakeholders to visit once the project is completed to experience it "in its prime". The site will increase Panadol production from 6 billion to 8 billion tablets annually. Future investments depend on DRAP's approvals. "Our global team has full confidence in Pakistan's potential," Naseer said. He added that the facility meets top international standards, including automated, touch?free packaging to ensure product purity. Naseer highlighted Pakistan's position as the fifth most populous country, with rising healthcare demand. He credited investor optimism to the passion and talent of Pakistani professionals, whom he compared favourably to global counterparts. Despite challenges such as energy, water, and logistics constraints, Haleon has taken proactive steps to mitigate risks. The Jamshoro facility is now 98% solar-powered, and an on-site RO water filtration system ensures a steady supply. He concluded by stressing the need for stable economic policies and consistent regulatory frameworks, which are critical to attracting foreign investment and sustaining long-term growth.
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business Recorder
Production capacity boost: Haleon plans to ramp up investment in Pakistan
KARACHI: Haleon has planned to ramp up its investment in Pakistan with an initial outlay of $12 million, aimed at expanding its production capacity. As part of this strategic move, the company will scale up the manufacturing of Panadol to meet the country's rising demand more efficiently and ensure consistent supply of this essential medicine. Speaking to media at Haleon's head office, Qawi Naseer, CEO and General Manager Haleon Pakistan said that the demerger from GSK in 2022 allowed Haleon to focus exclusively on consumer healthcare, besides giving a greater autonomy to invest in local operations, brand innovation, and community impact initiatives. Haleon is a world leader in consumer health, operating in 170 markets with a portfolio spanning Oral Health, Pain Relief, Respiratory Health, Digestive Health, Vitamins, Minerals, Supplements, and Therapeutic Skin Health. Haleon Pakistan names Qawi Naseer as next CEO He said over the past three years, Haleon has achieved several significant milestones, including the successful launch of locally manufactured Centrum, which now caters to both domestic and export markets. Additionally, the company has committed a $12 million investment to scale up Panadol production to 8 billion tablets annually at the Jamshoro facility to efficiently meet the rising demand, Naseer added. 'We have a broader investment plan to further expand our manufacturing facility; however, these are subject to approvals from the regulatory authorities. We have submitted some plans, once the necessary approvals are secured, we will proceed with additional investments to enhance our production lines accordingly', he added. He also appreciated the role of DRAP in implementing the industry friendly policies. He informed that the majority of production of the Haleon is currently serving domestic demand, besides exports to Vietnam and Philippines. In addition, the goal is to export to 19 countries in the next 12-18 months, targeting 10 percent of total sales from exports. In order to enhance the exports, there will be a need to add more production lines, CEO Haleon said. Naseer emphasized that Pakistan is a land of opportunities, but consistent and sustainable economic policies are essential to attract greater investment. 'Organizations like OICCI and PBC are ready to support the government in formulating long-term economic policies spanning at least 5 to 10 years,' he noted. 'Such measures will play a key role in restoring investor confidence in Pakistan's economy,' he added. Haleon Pakistan is working with 450 employees across the country and a manufacturing facility in Jamshoro, besides regional sales offices in Multan, Lahore, and Islamabad. 'Haleon's transformation journey, exporting Centrum from Jamshoro and scaling local manufacturing, felt like a powerful platform to make a real difference,' he said. He informed that Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) are imported by all healthcare companies in Pakistan, however, the company is actively exploring local sourcing partnerships where feasible, without compromising on quality or compliance. Naseer encouraged allocation of ?200 million under science and technology for API import substitution and biotech R&D and said that this signals a positive step toward reducing Pakistan's reliance on imports and aligns with Haleon's interest in exploring local sourcing partnerships. However, he expressed concern about the introduction of an 18 percent sales tax on e-commerce transactions, especially since many consumers today rely on online channels to access OTC products like Panadol and Centrum. This could affect affordability and access, he said. Haleon has also strengthened its CSR footprint through health, education, and clean water initiatives across regions. Through the Health Partner Medical Information (HPMI) platform, Haleon trains healthcare professionals in self-care guidance. The briefing was part of the activities held to commemorate International Self-Care Day and to celebrate Haleon's third anniversary as an independent consumer health company. Naseer reaffirmed Haleon's commitment to empowering individuals to take charge of their everyday health through innovative and accessible self-care solutions. Haleon's mission under the commitment to self-care, is to empower individuals to manage their health through trusted products, education, and accessible solutions. With 57.5 percent of healthcare costs in Pakistan paid out-of-pocket, self-care, which is a preventive approach to healthcare, is critical for affordability and access, particularly in underserved areas. Haleon has taken multiple Initiatives for self-care and supporting healthcare professionals with self-care tools and training, collaborations with TCF, Smile Train, Allay Walay Trust, Oladoc, Marham, and Unicef to promote health equity, nutrition, and oral care and running awareness campaigns focused on preventive healthcare, oral hygiene, and maternal health. With access to healthcare remaining uneven and often unaffordable in Pakistan, self-care is emerging as a critical public health tool. Haleon is promoting self-care by empowering individuals to take charge of their health through trusted products and credible information, he informed. In 2024, the Haleon plant launched the 'SunPower Survival' project to further increase its renewable energy capacity by an additional 0.38 MWp. Of this, 0.18 MWp was successfully commissioned in 2024, with the remaining 0.2 MWp scheduled for commissioning in 2025. The site utilized an established third-party waste composting facility to improve waste circularity, converting approximately 31,529 kgs/annually of organic waste into fertilizer, thereby contributing positively to environmental sustainability. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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