Australian family-owned manufacturer, Whiteley, has officially opened its new Human Therapeutics Plant in Tomago, NSW.

The first-of-its-kind Therapeutics Plant will strengthen local manufacturing capability and deliver new jobs and innovation to the Hunter region.

The $25 million purpose-built plant will manufacture alcohol-based hand rubs and over-the-counter medicines for use in hospitals and healthcare facilities across Australia and New Zealand.

Whiteley Executive Chairman, Dr Greg Whiteley, and NSW Member for Port Stephens, The Hon. Kate Washington MP, officially opened the new plant in ceremony attended by more than 100 key stakeholders and staff.

Once fully operational, the new facility will create 30 new jobs across research, manufacturing, compliance and operations, and will position Whiteley as significant employers in the Port Stephens local government area.

“This facility is a long-term investment in Australian science, Australian jobs and Australian manufacturing,” said Dr Greg Whiteley, Executive Chairman of Whiteley.

“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 is Australia’s largest manufacturer of hospital-grade disinfectants and high-level infection control solutions. A 92-year-old family business, Whiteley has operated from Tomago since 1995 and continues to expand its footprint both nationally and internationally.

In 2024, Whiteley was awarded 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. This recognised Whiteley’s outstanding global supply chain impact and regional manufacturing excellence. 

Whiteley now exports to more than 35 international markets.

The company recently achieved Medical Device Single Audit Program (MDSAP) certification, enabling it to export medical devices from Tomago to the USA and Canada, a milestone that supports the global growth of Hunter-made products.

The new facility is designed to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards and is the only therapeutic plant in NSW to meet modern fire safety and engineering compliance benchmarks. It will also serve as a hub for collaborative research with leading Australian universities, including the University of Newcastle, University of Sydney and Western Sydney University, focused on tackling antimicrobial resistance and chronic biofilm-mediated 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.”

Speaking at the opening, NSW Member for Port Stephens, The Hon. Kate Washington MP, praised the company’s commitment to regional growth and international excellence.

“It’s a proud day for Port Stephens when an impressive and innovative local manufacturer backs itself to become even bigger and better,” Ms Washington 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.

“I congratulate the wonderful Whiteley team for its commitment to making more world-leading infection prevention products, right here in the Hunter.”

The Human Therapeutics Plant also demonstrates Whiteley’s commitment to environmental responsibility, featuring no on-site discharge, advanced containment systems, and a 50-year design life to support long-term operations in the Hunter.

Whiteley currently employs over 70 people across Australia and New Zealand. With the opening of this new facility and international certifications in hand, the company is well-positioned to expand its global presence while continuing to deliver for the Australian healthcare sector.