24 February 2016

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon officially opened an expansion to GlaxoSmithKline’s antibiotics facility in Irvine, which will create capacity to make antibiotics for an additional 100 million patients every year.

She also announced that the company will receive a Scottish Enterprise Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant of £1.5 million to extend their Potassium Clavulanate (Clav) Plant, which produces penicillin.

During the visit the First Minister toured the new expansion and met control room staff, which included a number of manufacturing apprentices, responsible for monitoring and managing every aspect of the production process.

The First Minister 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.

GSK further investment in Scotland is testament to our thriving life sciences industry and its position as a key growth sector for the Scottish economy. Their continued commitment across their sites in Scotland is proof of the skill and value of the Scottish workforce.

Last week I launched, A Manufacturing Future for Scotland– an action plan outlining our commitment to delivering new initiatives that stimulate innovation, improve productivity and increase investment in the Scottish manufacturing sector in order that it can better compete globally. We are committed in showcasing all our small country has to offer.”

Delighted to open this new, expanded plant at GSK Irvine this morning. https://t.co/f0QkthZWPV

— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) February 22, 2016

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.

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, which will continue in the near and distant future. 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.”

On Tuesday Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health officially opened GSK new office in Edinburgh’s BioQuarter. Showing further commitment of GSK investment in Scotland.

. @jamiehepburn was at Edinburgh BioQuarter today to open the new @GSK offices. @EdinburghBQ pic.twitter.com/FJ4thkWvPJ

— Scot Gov Health (@scotgovhealth) February 23, 2016