Australian manufacturer Whiteley has officially opened a new $25 million Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago, New South Wales, in a move that represents a key development for regional manufacturing and healthcare supply capabilities across Australia and New Zealand.
Whiteley has officially opened a new Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago, New South Wales, marking what the company describes as a significant step forward for regional manufacturing and healthcare supply in Australia and New Zealand.
The $25 million purpose-built facility is the first of its kind in the state and will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for use in hospitals and healthcare settings.
The opening ceremony was attended by over 100 guests, including stakeholders, staff, and officials. Whiteley Executive Chairman Dr Greg Whiteley and NSW Member for Port Stephens, The Hon. Kate Washington MP, jointly opened the plant, which is expected to create 30 jobs across research, manufacturing, compliance, and operations once it reaches full capacity.
Dr Whiteley said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening domestic capability. “This facility is a long-term investment in Australian science, Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing,” he said.
“This sector 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, a 92-year-old family-owned business, has operated from Tomago since 1995 and is Australia’s largest manufacturer of hospital-grade disinfectants and infection control products.
The company now exports to more than 35 international markets and employs over 70 staff across Australia and New Zealand. Whiteley was recognised in 2024 with a number of awards, including NSW Business of the Year and Hunter Business of the Year, as well as the Excellence in International Business Award at both the Business NSW and Business Hunter Awards.
The company recently achieved Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification, enabling exports of medical devices to the United States and Canada directly from its Tomago site.
The new plant is designed to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is currently the only therapeutic manufacturing facility in New South Wales that complies with modern fire safety and engineering benchmarks.
The facility will also serve as a centre for scientific collaboration, with Whiteley partnering with institutions such as the University of Newcastle, the University of Sydney, and Western Sydney University on research addressing antimicrobial resistance and chronic biofilm-related infections.
“This is more than a factory. It’s a platform for scientific innovation and global competitiveness,” said Dr 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.”
NSW Member for Port Stephens, The Hon Kate Washington MP, acknowledged the company’s impact on local industry and praised its growth.
“It’s a proud day for Port Stephens when an impressive and innovative local manufacturer backs itself to become even bigger and better,” she said.
“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.”
