Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill says the expansion of R.A. Williams Distributors Limited into Spanish Town, St Catherine, is expected to contribute to the growth of the pharmaceutical market in Jamaica, which is projected to achieve US$97 million this year.

He made the announcement in his address at the recent opening of the company’s new complex in the New Brunswick Village, said the projection was taken from the Statistics Portal for Market Data (STATISTA).

“[The industry] is expected to grow by about five or six per cent in the next year,” Hill said.

Senator Hill said that as of March 31, 2024, the Pharmacy Council of Jamaica has on record 587 pharmacies, along with approximately 1,369 pharmacists, adding that the sector is poised to be a major player in Jamaica’s development.

Situated on 21,000 square feet of space, the state-of-the-art, temperature- controlled storage facility is designed to utilise solar technology to power its operations.

A total of 288 solar panels have been included in the design of the facility, providing 132 kw solar capacity, contributing to as much as 90 per cent of its energy requirements.

Audley Reid, chief executive officer at R.A Williams Distributors Limited said the company trades more than 130 products, spanning eight international pharmaceutical manufacturers.

“Our enhanced infrastructure will allow us to attract a wider range of local and international manufacturers and to expand our product range to meet increasing demand,” he said.

R.A. Williams recently welcomed its ninth pharmaceutical manufacturer, Fourrts (India) Laboratories Pvt. Limited. R.A. Williams is now the exclusive distributor of Fourrts Labs in Jamaica.

The company also closed a deal recently with Canadian-based pharmaceutical manufacturer, Ryvis Pharma, to represent the company in Jamaica as its second distributor.