South Australian medical devices manufacturing company Ellex has opened a new machinery facility, corporate headquarters and manufacturing plant at Mawson Lakes, Adelaide.
The global leader in medical technologies has made this investment in order to boost its exports and create new jobs.
90 per cent of Ellex’s products are sold offshore; however, 70 per cent of the company’s staff are based in Australia.
Thanks to the new facility, Ellex is now in a great position to increase production of devices to diagnose and treat glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, secondary cataract, age-related macular degeneration and vitreous opacities.
The new facility was officially opened yesterday by SA Manufacturing Minister Kyam Maher.
“Ellex is a South Australian manufacturing and export success story, evolving from a small scientific laser company to a global leader in medical technologies,” the Minister said.
“Proximity to the University of South Australia’s Future Industries Institute will have multiple benefits, with access to engineering and innovation student and on-site research and development staff, and the opportunity to influence the direction of research and development and access to testing equipment, new technologies and intellectual property.”
Established in 1985, the company launched its first ophthalmic laser product, the Laserex LQ1106 YAG photodisruptor, for the treatment of secondary cataracts, back in 1988 and has since then grown into a global leader in medical technologies.
Executive Director Dr Meera Verma said Ellex plans to remain committed to manufacturing in South Australia.
“From our humble origins in 1985 as a single product business we have evolved into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of ophthalmic technologies, with an advanced treatment product portfolio that addresses all major forms of eye disease,” Mr Verma said.
“Our new manufacturing plant in Mawson Lakes provides more than double the production capacity of our former plant and offers significant operational efficiencies, and will thereby play a pivotal role in helping drive the growth of our business.”
