A £110 million expansion of GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) pharmaceutical plant in Montrose has been announced, with a number of new jobs expected to be created.
The news comes as the company invests £275 million in its plants across the UK despite GSK chief executive Andrew Witty backing the Remain campaign during the European Union referendum.
The site in the Angus town manufactures ingredients for respiratory, HIV and vaccine products. It currently employs more than 450 staff.
GSK said the investment is “expected to lead to the creation of new employment opportunities” as well as support construction jobs.
Expansion will also take place at sites at Barnard Castle, Durham, and Ware in Hertfordshire.
Mr Witty said: “Today’s announcement reflects further investment to support our pharmaceutical pipeline and meet growing demand for our innovative portfolio of newly-launched products.
“It is testament to our skilled UK workforce and the country’s leading position in life sciences that we are making these investments in advanced manufacturing here.
“From their manufacture in the UK, many of these medicines will be sent to patients around the world.”
The investment was welcomed by government ministers.
Business and innovation minister Paul Wheelhouse said: “GSK is a hugely-important contributor to our economy, so this is fantastic news for Montrose, for Scotland and for our life sciences industry.
“Life sciences is a vital industry in Scotland, employing more than 35,000 people and, as we’re seeing, one which is a world leader.
“This success is built on our strong academic base and the cutting-edge research going on across Scotland.”
Scotland Office minister Lord Dunlop said: “It is great news that GlaxoSmithKline is boosting investment in Scotland and a real testament to the hard work and skills of the workforce in Montrose.
“Above all, it is a clear vote of confidence in the country’s economy and shows that Scotland and the UK are very much open for business.”
