£70 million expansion opens at GSK
The expanded antibiotics facility has been opened at GSK in Irvine.
The £70 million expansion of GSK's Irvine plant will boost capacity by 35 per cent and create 55 new jobs. Speaking at the launch, first minister Nicola Sturgeon anounced £1.5 million of government funding to support the development.
The Irvine facility has been expanded to meet the growing demand from the developing world and emerging markets for antibiotics and forms part of the company’s total investment of more than £200 million between their sites in Irvine and Montrose since 2013. The development creates capacity to make antibiotics for an additional 100 million patients every year.
GSK's plant is located at i3, Irvine's Enterprise Area, where there are currently opportunities for other life sciences companies to locate.
Sir Andrew Witty, GSK CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be opening a new facility in Scotland, where we have a long-standing commitment to manufacturing. The impact of this new facility will be felt here and abroad, with more antibiotics produced for people in countries where this sort of medicine is desperately needed.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The life sciences sector showcases Scotland’s research and manufacturing excellence and enhances our global reputation. GSK is a great example of an innovative company expanding its presence and creating jobs in Irvine and Montrose.
“Their continued investment across all their sites in Scotland is a testament to the skill of the Scottish workforce and illustrates the confidence this international company has in our small country.”
Patrick Wiggins, Chief Executive at Irvine Bay commented, "This investment is extremely good news for the Irvine Bay area. GSK's commitment to North Ayrshire demonstrates a belief in the area as an excellent place for a global life sciences company to operate. Their presence here attracts related investment as well as providing a direct boost to the economy."
The expansion to the Irvine facility has cost £70 million, which has partly come from previously announced investments and partly from a new investment across GSK’s Scottish sites, which was announced at the launch.