Latest news with #Alcon


AsiaOne
8 hours ago
- Business
- AsiaOne
Eye care giant Alcon keeps 'lens' on the future with expanded manufacturing and logistics facility in Tuas, Singapore News
Eye care-device giant Alcon officially opened its expanded state-of-the art manufacturing and logistics facility in Tuas Biomedical Park on Friday (June 27) morning. This brings Alcon's investments in Singapore to more than US$600 million (S$765 million) since it began operations in Singapore back in 2005. The completed Tuas facility is one of the Swiss-American firm's largest high-tech manufacturing sites with Industry 4.0 capabilities, advanced automation and smart manufacturing systems to meet the increasing global demand for its contact lenses. Amid a growing middle class and rising demand for quality healthcare, the Asia-Pacific region continues to be the fastest-growing market for medical technology, with its market value projected to reach nearly S$300 billion by 2030. This puts the region second only to the US as a source of demand for medical technology (Medtech). "Singapore is home to some of the world's best-in-class Medtech manufacturing palnts. The sector has been growing steadily, with a manufacturing output of S$19.4 billion in 2023. This marks a $5.2 billion increase over the past decade," said Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling at the opening ceremony of Alcon's expanded facility. Beyond strengthening innovation and supply chain resilience within Singapore's MedTech ecosystem, Alcon's investment is also expected to benefit Singaporean workers and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore. Muhammad Haiqal Bin Sapuan, an associate supervisor at Alcon made the switch from the oil and gas industry, through the Career Conversion Programme (CCP), in 2022 to have more time with his family. A year and a half into his role as a senior technician, he was nominated by his peers to step up as an associate supervisor. [[nid:707984]] "That recognition gave me confidence. I started off as an interim, and it was tough at first, but the team's support made the difference," said Haiqal. To date, nearly 180 Singaporean workers have benefitted from the CCP to become Alcon associates. Alcon's new facility is expected to create new job opportunities in production operations, quality control and supply chain management. It is also expected to strengthen innovation and supply chain resilience within Singapore's Medtech ecosystem through initiatives such as the Partnership for Capability Transformation, which partners local SMEs to buiild capabilities from precision moulding to packaging, helping them to scale and compete globally. [[nid:715407]] editor@
Business Times
a day ago
- Business
- Business Times
Swiss-American eye care firm Alcon launches expanded Tuas manufacturing facility
[SINGAPORE] Alcon, a Swiss-American pharmaceutical and medical device company specialising in eye care products, opened its expanded manufacturing and logistics facility in Tuas on Friday (Jun 27). This brings its total investment in Singapore to more than US$600 million since opening its first manufacturing site here in 2005. Located in Tuas Biomedical Park, the facility is one of Alcon's largest manufacturing sites, featuring advanced automation, smart manufacturing systems and industry 4.0 capabilities to support the increasing global demand for its contact lenses. It is also designed for operational efficiency and sustainability, with automation; digital systems; and features that reduce energy use, water consumption and waste. It has achieved zero waste to landfill and supports scalable production for global demand. Speaking at the launch event, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling said the partnership between Alcon and Singapore over the past 20 years exemplifies how deep, sustained collaboration can drive industrial growth and create meaningful careers for Singaporeans. 'Singapore is home to some of the world's best-in-class medtech manufacturing plants. The sector has been growing steadily, with a manufacturing output of S$19.4 billion in 2023, a nearly fourfold increase over the past decade,' she said. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up In a statement, Alcon said that the expansion is expected to create new 'high-value' jobs in areas such as manufacturing, quality control and distribution management. It will also support Singapore's ambition to grow its medtech workforce, which comprises over 400 companies and employs more than 16,000 people as of 2024. The company partners with local institutions and workforce programmes to build skills in precision engineering, biomedical sciences and artificial intelligence automation, supporting the growth of Singapore's medtech sector. One initiative is the Career Conversion Programme (CCP), which allowed the firm to tap into a broader, more diverse talent pool, including mid-career switchers and individuals seeking new roles. To date, nearly 180 associates have benefited. Muhammad Haiqal Sapuan, a beneficiary of the programme, worked in the oil and gas sector previously and joined Alcon as a senior technician in 2022. After participating in the CCP and undergoing strong mentoring, he now serves as an associate supervisor, leading a team of 15 in production technical operations. Alcon currently employs more than 25,000 people worldwide and serves over 260 million patients across 140 countries annually.


Perth Now
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Lancia Ypsilon HF: Brand's first performance car in decades detailed
The new Lancia Ypsilon HF marks a return to the hot hatch scene that the marque was once such an integral part of. While enthusiasts fondly remember hot Delta hatchbacks fanging around rally tracks, and their homologated cousins sold to satisfy racing regulations, Lancia has subsisted on sepia-tinged memories and an aging city car with the faintest whiff of luxury for over a decade. The fourth-generation Ypsilon, launched last year, is significantly larger and more advanced than the models before it, but a hot hatch it certainly isn't, with buyers able to choose between a 115kW EV or 82kW 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild hybrid. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Starting from the third quarter of this year, a new HF (for High Fidelity) variant will enter showrooms with a 209kW/345Nm electric motor driving the front wheels via a Torsen limited slip differential. Pedal to the metal, Lancia says the Ypsilon HF is capable of completing the 0-100km/h dash in 5.6 seconds. A 54kWh battery is fitted as standard, and is good for a driving range of 370km according to the WLTP standard. If these numbers sound familiar, that's because the motor and drivetrain is shared with the recently revealed Peugeot e-208 GTi. Both cars are based on the e-CMP architecture that's also used by Jeep Avenger, Fiat 600, Alfa Romeo Junior, and many others. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert Interestingly, the Ypsilon HF is 0.1 second faster to the century than the e-208 GTi. It also has 20km more range, although Lancia says this is only achievable on standard tyres. Pumped up wheel arch protectors are required as track has grown 30mm, while the HF sits 20mm lower to the ground than the regular Ypsilon. There's also a new front bumper with a large greyed-out section around the lower air intake and licence plate holder, 18-inch alloy wheels, and fake fender vents. Supplied Credit: CarExpert It should be a sharper drive too, as the suspension has been retuned, and there are significantly stiffer anti-roll bars at both ends. Stopping prowess is improved thanks to larger 355mm Alcon discs at the front with four-piston monobloc calipers. On the inside you'll find Econyl sport seats supposedly inspired by the Delta Evoluzione, perforated leather for the steering wheel, aluminium pedals, revised graphics for the instrumentation and infotainment screens, and a dashboard top that fades from blue to orange and back again. For those who want HF looks, but don't have an HF budget, the Ypsilon is now available in a HF Line trim (below) that has 17-inch alloy wheels, the HF's front bumper, and the same 1.2-litre three-cylinder drivetrain used in lesser models. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Supplied Credit: CarExpert It will be interesting to see if the HF will spark renewed interest in the brand. The new Ypsilon is larger than the decade-old model it replaced, but the increased price tag has seen sales drop by around 70 per cent year-on-year. Under the leadership of previous Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, Lancia was given 10 years to save itself. It plans to launch the Gamma SUV and Astra-sized Delta hatch in the next few years.

National Post
2 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Alcon Canada Earns Global Recognition as a Top Employer
Article content TORONTO — Alcon, the global leader in eye care dedicated to helping people see brilliantly, today announced that Alcon Canada has been certified as a Top Employer in Canada by the Top Employers Institute, a recognized authority on identifying excellence in people practices and workplace culture. Article content Being certified as a Top Employer showcases Alcon Canada's commitment to building a better world of work through exceptional HR policies and forward-thinking people practices. This recognition highlights Alcon Canada's ongoing investment in cultivating a welcoming, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture where employees can thrive. Article content 'Our success begins with our people,' said Jeroen Bastemeijer, General Manager, Alcon Canada. 'We are incredibly proud to be recognized as a Top Employer for 2025. This certification reflects our ongoing efforts to foster an inclusive, diverse, and highly collaborative work environment that empowers associates to unleash their full potential. The Top Employers Institute Certification Seal serves as external validation of the progress we have made to enrich our work environment, now placing us among other globally recognized Top Employers.' Article content The Top Employers Institute is the global HR authority that audits organizations' people strategies and practices to help them improve their HR performance. The programme certifies organizations through a fact-based certification and validation process focused on proof of practices. Furthermore, certification is granted based on how an organization scores in the Top Employers Institute's HR Best Practices Survey. This survey consists of 20 topics across six areas: People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Wellbeing. Article content 'Consistency in a not-so-consistent world? Amidst constant change—through technological advances, economic shifts, and evolving social landscapes—it is inspiring to see people and organizations rise to the challenge,' said David Plink, CEO, Top Employer Institute. Article content Alcon Canada's people-first approach is embedded across all aspects of its operations, including: Article content Innovation in Eye Care: With more than 75 years of experience, Alcon Canada, leads in surgical and vision care by creating and investing in innovative eye care solutions that improve the lives of millions every day. Associate Development & Wellbeing: Investing in comprehensive learning programs, leadership and associate development, and performance management, while promoting best-in-class virtual health and wellness initiatives. Community Involvement: Strengthening communities and expanding outreach through initiatives such as the Alcon in Action Annual Day of Volunteering and the Alcon Canada International Volunteer Program for associates. Ethical Business Practices: Striving for equal opportunities for all and maintaining the highest standards of conduct, including compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Sustainability Leadership: Committed to caring for our planet and dedicated to achieving carbon neutrality across global operations by 2030 and diverting 100% of non-hazardous waste from landfills. Alcon Canada's Head Office proudly holds an ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System certification. Article content About Alcon Canada Article content Alcon Canada helps people see brilliantly. As the global leader in eye care with a heritage spanning over 75 years, we offer the broadest portfolio of products to enhance sight and improve people's lives. Our Surgical and Vision Care products touch the lives of more than 260 million people in over 140 countries each year living with conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, retinal diseases and refractive errors. Our more than 25,000 associates are enhancing the quality of life through innovative products, partnerships with Eye Care professionals and programs that advance access to quality eye care. Learn more at About Top Employers Institute Top Employers Institute is the #1 global authority on HR strategies. With our world-leading Certification and data-led insights, we guide and empower organizations in delivering transformational people practices, driving business outcomes and helping them attract, engage and retain top talent. In 2025, Top Employers Institute has certified more than 2,400 organizations in 125 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 13 million employees globally. Learn more at Facebook LinkedIn Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Relations Article content Article content Article content Article content


Forbes
2 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Dr. Selina McGee On Better Eye Health, New Treatments
Eye health As screen time soars and eye strain becomes a daily norm, a growing number of Americans are seeking answers for persistent eye discomfort—often unaware that they may be suffering from a chronic and underdiagnosed condition: dry eye disease. In a recent interview on The Dry Eye Podcast, Dr. Selina McGee, an optometrist at Bespoke Vision in Edmond, Oklahoma, about the FDA's approval of a promising new treatment and why dry eye care is finally having its moment. A Growing Patient Population McGee sees a rising tide of patients walking into her clinic with classic signs of dry eye—burning, fluctuating vision, and chronic discomfort—yet many still don't realize it's a medical condition. 'People often reset their expectations and assume eye discomfort is just a normal part of life. But if you're constantly aware of your eyes, that's a red flag,' said McGee. Even more misleading? Watery eyes. While it may seem counterintuitive, excessive tearing can be a symptom of dry eye. 'Those are reflex tears,' McGee said, 'not the nourishing, stable tears we need for visual comfort and health.' The Basics of Better Eye Health Beyond pharmaceuticals, McGee emphasizes 'visual hygiene' as a cornerstone of eye care. Her go-to advice: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds—and blink consciously. Stay hydrated: Chronic dehydration is a common contributor to dry eye symptoms. Get sleep: 'Our eyes heal at night,' she said. 'Skimping on rest means your eyes can't recover.' The Road Ahead McGee says TRYPTYR (by Alcon) is expected to become commercially available in the U.S. later this year. Prescribed as a twice-daily drop, it offers a new option for those seeking fast-acting, lasting relief. While dry eye remains a chronic condition, McGee says the goal of treatment is simple: 'When you're no longer thinking about your eyes all day, that's when we know we've done our job.'