Colorcon opens a high-tech film coating facility in Malaysia to expand Asia-Pacific operations and strengthen global pharmaceutical supply resilience.
Colorcon, a prominent global provider of film coating systems, specialty excipients, controlled-release formulations, and controlled atmosphere packaging for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, has officially inaugurated a new, cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Johor, Malaysia. This new 200,000 square-foot facility marks a strategic expansion for the company in the Asia-Pacific region and will serve as a dedicated production center for its advanced film coating products. At launch, the site will employ 30 individuals, with potential for growth as demand increases.
Equipped with advanced manufacturing technology and designed with a strong focus on energy efficiency, the new Malaysian facility underscores Colorcon’s continued commitment to quality, regulatory excellence, sustainability, and innovation within the life sciences industry. The initiative further strengthens Colorcon’s global supply network, positioning the company to better meet the evolving demands of its customers throughout the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific market.
Simon Tasker, CEO of Colorcon, emphasized the strategic value of the new facility: “The opening of this world-class site is a major milestone in supporting our pharmaceutical partners across Asia. This investment reflects our long-term vision to enhance the robustness and responsiveness of our global supply chain for film coatings. By anticipating market growth and investing in capacity ahead of demand, we ensure that our customers always receive the high level of service and product availability they expect. This facility is one of several major projects we’re pursuing to live up to our promise—‘we’re everywhere our customers need us to be.’”
Willem Hoogwater, Managing Director at Colorcon, also highlighted the achievement: “Bringing this facility online is a tremendous accomplishment for our team in Malaysia. I want to recognize everyone involved in making this vision a reality. We’re proud to introduce world-class coating technology to a region that is quickly establishing itself as a center for high-value pharmaceutical manufacturing. This facility is not only a testament to our technological capabilities, but also to our commitment to supporting local economies through strategic investment. We look forward to delivering even faster, more efficient service to our regional clients for many years to come.”
Since its founding in 1961, Colorcon has been at the forefront of pharmaceutical coating innovation. The company’s breakthrough product, Opadry—launched in 1980—revolutionized tablet coating by offering the first complete film coating system. This innovation simplified processes, improved uniformity across batches, and reduced errors. Today, Opadry encompasses a broad range of solutions that support everything from moisture protection and taste-masking to regulatory compliance and improved patient experience.
With this new Malaysian plant, Colorcon now operates seven manufacturing sites globally, reinforcing its presence as a key player in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
