Haleon is investing £175 million in India to expand oral health manufacturing capacity, strengthen rural healthcare access and accelerate distribution of preventive health products, as the company targets more than 300 million additional consumers in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer health markets.
India’s growing focus on preventive healthcare and self-care is creating significant opportunities to address unmet health needs, particularly in rural communities where access to healthcare services remains limited.
Haleon has announced plans to invest approximately £175 million in a new oral health manufacturing facility in Madhya Pradesh, alongside an expanded rural distribution and health education programme designed to improve access to oral healthcare across underserved regions.
The investment forms part of Haleon’s broader ambition to reach one billion more consumers globally by 2030, with India identified as a key strategic growth market.
Strengthening Capacity to Meet Rising Healthcare Demand
The new manufacturing facility will increase Haleon’s local production capabilities for oral health brands including Sensodyne and parodontax, while also supporting supply to other Asian markets.
According to the company, strengthening in-house manufacturing and supply chain capabilities will improve resilience and enable faster responses to evolving healthcare needs.
India’s consumer health market is forecast to exceed £23 billion by 2030, driven by increasing awareness of preventive health and growing adoption of self-care solutions.
The facility is expected to open in early 2028, with production commencing the following year.
“India is a key strategic market for Haleon and an important driver of our long-term growth,” said Brian McNamara, CEO, Haleon.
“This investment strengthens our local manufacturing footprint and expands our reach in one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer health markets. By increasing access to our trusted brands and building our capabilities on the ground, we are well positioned to capture the significant opportunities ahead.”
Brian McNamara, CEO, Haleon
Addressing Significant Oral Health Gaps in Rural Communities
Haleon’s investment comes as significant oral health challenges persist across rural India, where healthcare access remains constrained.
The company notes that rural areas account for approximately 65% of India’s population, spread across more than 650,000 villages. Access to dental services remains limited, with a single dentist often serving around 250,000 people in some rural regions.
Low utilisation of preventive dental care contributes to untreated oral health conditions, including tooth sensitivity and tooth decay.
To address these challenges, Haleon plans to expand distribution to more than three million retail outlets by 2030, while increasing availability of lower-cost oral healthcare products, including small-format Sensodyne packs designed to improve affordability.
Expanding Community-Based Health Outreach
Alongside product distribution, Haleon is increasing investment in community health engagement programmes aimed at improving oral health awareness and early intervention.
The company is doubling the number of frontline health teams operating in rural areas. Equipped with diagnostic tools, testing kits and product samples, these teams work directly with communities that may have limited access to traditional healthcare channels.
Haleon is also expanding its network of mobile oral health education units, which provide oral health awareness activities, gum health assessments and sensitivity checks within local communities.
These initiatives are designed to help identify oral health issues earlier while encouraging greater adoption of preventive care practices.
Supporting the expansion is a significant investment in workforce development.
Haleon has recruited more than 500 additional sales and distribution employees over the past 12 months to strengthen market coverage and improve access to healthcare products in underserved areas.
The new manufacturing facility is expected to create up to 500 additional jobs while strengthening local technical and manufacturing capabilities in central India.
Healthcare Access at the Centre of Growth Strategy
Haleon says the combined manufacturing, distribution and community engagement investment reflects the growing role of preventive healthcare within emerging markets and the need for innovative approaches to reaching underserved populations.
“We aim to expand access to better everyday health for more than 300 million additional consumers in India. This will be key to achieving our broader ambition to reach one billion more consumers globally by 2030,” said McNamara.
This article was produced by the editorial team at APAC Outlook and published as part of the Outlook Publishing global network of B2B industry magazines.
Outlook Publishing delivers industry insights, company stories, and sector coverage across manufacturing, mining, construction, healthcare, supply chains, food production, and sustainability.
APAC Outlook provides ongoing coverage of organisations and developments shaping industries across the Asia-Pacific region.
