Pharmaceutical company in the US, Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD) has opened a new $21m packaging facility in Pandaan, Pasuruan, Indonesia, in an effort to step up its production for the Indonesian and Asian markets.

The plant, which was constructed on 4,900m2 area, produces packaging for various medicines that are used to treat diabetes, hypertension, infections and cardiovascular and respiratory problems, thejakartapost.com reported.

The new plant supplements MSD's existing $6m facility in Pandaan, constructed on a 3,350m2 plot.

MSD senior vice president for operations John Markels said Pandaan region has been considered as a strategic location by the company to reach the Asian market.

"Now that we have the new factory, we will be able to meet the growing demands for medicine from the international market," Markels said.