Sigma celebrates centenary
June 18, 2012
TODAY Sigma is celebrating a
significant milestone, its 100th
birthday, having commenced
serving the Australian pharmacy
community on 18 June 1912.
“Sigma’s story over the past 100
years is one of adaptation and
evolution as we have navigated our
way through many market changes,”
said MD & CEO, Mark Hooper.
“We have met the challenges of
two World Wars and the Great
Depression, as well as witnessed
the birth of Australia’s visionary
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
“Throughout the past 100 years,
the combined strength of
leadership and team work
combined with loyal customers and
suppliers have guided us to today’s
celebration,” he added.
Sigma was founded by Melbourne
chemist Ernest Leete, and his friend
and pharmacist Edwin Church on
this day 100 years ago, after they
were authorised by the South
Suburban Chemists’ Association to
manufacture and package proprietary
medicinal, household, natural, and
toiletries for sale by pharmacists.
By the end of the first year of
operation, the company had 200
pharmacist member customers,
offering products including hand
lotion, Bisby’s antacid powder and
Sigma salve.
Today Sigma is one of the leading
wholesalers in Australia, currently
servicing around 4,000 pharmacies
across Australia, employing 900 staff
and with sales over $2.5b annually.
Sigma also owns the retail
pharmacy brands, Amcal and
Guardian, in addition to Amcal Max
and Pharmacy Advance.
To mark its centenary, the
company has pledged to give each
of its employees a $50 ‘Dollar
Donation’ to donate to one of three
charities: The Children’s Hospital
Foundations Australia, Alzheimer’s
Australia and Building Better Lives.
Pictured below about to enjoy a
bit of birthday cake is Sigma’s
Chanmali Tregambe, Dianne Hogan,
John Campbell, Jana Mather,
Tiffany Maynard, Kate Foley,
Aleksandar Joveski.
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