Pithampur: Madhya Pradesh has taken a significant step toward strengthening India’s position as a global pharma hub, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav virtually laying the foundation stone of Haleon Group’s first manufacturing unit in India at Pithampur, Dhar district.
The project, with an investment of around ₹2,000 crore, is expected to generate approximately 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, while also boosting women’s employment with a target of up to 30% participation.
₹2,000 Crore Investment in First India Manufacturing Unit
The new facility represents Haleon’s first manufacturing unit in India and involves an investment of approximately ₹2,000 crore (around £175 million). The project was virtually inaugurated from the Chief Minister’s residence in Bhopal by Dr. Mohan Yadav.
The plant is being developed in the Smart Industrial Park of Pithampur and will span more than 40 acres. It is expected to become a key part of the company’s global supply chain network.
Employment Generation and Women Empowerment Focus
The project is expected to generate around 1,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
A notable highlight of the investment is the company’s commitment to workforce diversity, with a target of up to 30% female employment. The state government has welcomed this as a positive step toward women’s economic empowerment and inclusive industrial growth.
Strategic Role of Madhya Pradesh in India’s Pharma Growth
During the event, Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav emphasized that India has already established itself as the “Pharmacy of the World,” and Madhya Pradesh is playing an increasingly important role in strengthening this identity.
He noted that:
- India is the third-largest pharmaceutical producer globally by volume
- Over 3,000 pharma companies and 10,500+ manufacturing units operate in India
- Madhya Pradesh alone has 300+ pharma companies and multiple API and bulk drug manufacturers
- Around 75+ medical device units are active in the state
- Pharma exports contribute nearly 20% of the state’s total exports
He also stated that Madhya Pradesh is transitioning from a production base to a global export hub.
Pharma Manufacturing Clusters Across the State
The state government is actively developing specialized industrial clusters for pharmaceutical manufacturing in key regions, including:
- Indore
- Pithampur
- Mandideep
- Bhopal
- Dewas
- Ujjain
These clusters are designed to strengthen logistics, supply chains, and export-oriented production.
Global Vision of Haleon and India Expansion Strategy
Haleon is a global consumer healthcare company operating in more than 170 countries. Its portfolio includes oral health, digestive health, pain relief, respiratory care, and vitamins and supplements.
The new Pithampur facility will primarily focus on oral healthcare products. These products will cater to domestic demand as well as export markets across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa.
Company executives highlighted that the project aligns with their long-term India strategy and global supply chain expansion plans.
Strong Industry Collaboration and Policy Support
State officials and company representatives jointly emphasized that the project is the result of nearly 18 months of continuous engagement and policy-level coordination.
Government representatives reiterated that Madhya Pradesh offers a highly industry-friendly environment, providing full support from project approval to production stages.
Catalyst for MSMEs and Ancillary Industries
Beyond direct investment and employment, the project is expected to benefit:
- Local MSME suppliers
- Transportation and logistics services
- Packaging and allied industries
- Regional industrial ecosystem development
This is expected to create a broader multiplier effect on the state economy.
The establishment of Haleon’s first manufacturing unit in India marks a significant milestone for both Madhya Pradesh and India’s pharmaceutical sector. With large-scale investment, export-oriented production, and employment generation, the project reinforces Madhya Pradesh’s positioning as a rising global pharma manufacturing hub.
Under the leadership of Dr. Mohan Yadav, the state continues to attract global investors and strengthen its industrial infrastructure, contributing to India’s broader vision of becoming a global leader in pharmaceuticals and healthcare manufacturing.
