Norgine Invests £23 Million to Expand Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in Wales

Norgine's Commitment to Welsh Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

Norgine, a prominent European specialty pharmaceutical firm, has today declared an impressive investment of £23 million in its Hengoed manufacturing site. This considerable financial commitment not only enhances the existing capabilities of the facility but also contributes to a total investment exceeding £50 million made since 2022.

This new funding, supported by the UK Government's Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF), aims to accelerate innovation and expand the plant's production capacity. As global supply chain dynamics become increasingly unpredictable, this initiative positions Norgine to reliably supply essential medicines across the UK and Europe.

The expansion project is expected to create 44 skilled jobs while simultaneously boosting long-term manufacturing capabilities within the region. The upgrades will include an increase in production and storage space, the adoption of high-speed manufacturing processes, and improved quality control measures.

Jo Stevens, the Secretary of State for Wales, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the investment, noting that it reflects confidence in the Welsh workforce and the thriving life sciences sector in the region. She stated, "Norgine’s investment is a vote of confidence in our skilled workforce. I am pleased that UK Government funding supports the company’s growth and the creation of new, well-paying jobs."

Strengthening the Fabric of Healthcare in Europe

Saulo Martiniano, Norgine’s Chief Operations Officer, stated, "At Norgine, we believe that every scientific advancement must reach the patients who need it. Innovative manufacturing and supply approaches are vital to achieving this goal. By expanding and improving our facilities in Hengoed, we are increasing our capacity, enhancing quality measures, and investing in energy-efficient production. This investment strengthens the resilience of healthcare systems across the UK and Europe."

The planned expansion is part of a broader and long-term commitment to Hengoed. Since 2022, Norgine has invested over £50 million at the site to optimize operations, enhance capacity, and foster international collaborations in the manufacturing sector, including partnerships in Japan. Future investments will further bolster a resilient supply chain, expecting to generate upwards of 75 new permanent positions in manufacturing, quality control, and warehousing in Wales.

Norgine has established a robust manufacturing network designed to scale with demand, ensuring resilient access to markets across Europe and beyond. The company's manufacturing infrastructure is backed by 60 years of experience, enabling specialized engineering and design capabilities focused on producing medications for gastrointestinal diseases, rare conditions, and specialized needs, both from Norgine’s own portfolio and that of selected licensing partners across Europe.

Investing in the Future

In addition to enhancing manufacturing capabilities, Norgine is committed to long-term educational initiatives and skill development within the community. This includes student placements through Cardiff University and local apprenticeship programs, fostering the next generation of talent in the manufacturing sector.

The Hengoed facility currently employs over 600 qualified personnel and supplies approximately 50 million packages of medicines and medical devices annually. The site operates on 100% low-carbon electricity, reflecting Norgine’s dedication to sustainable manufacturing practices as it continues to grow.

About Norgine

Norgine is a medium-sized pharmaceutical company headquartered in the EU, boasting a workforce of about 1,500 employees and generating annual revenues of approximately €650 million. Driven by innovation, Norgine is dedicated to delivering life-changing medications across a range of conditions, from common ailments like constipation to serious and rare diseases such as pediatric cancer.

By leveraging innovative development capabilities, marketing strategies, and manufacturing partnerships, Norgine seeks to address complex medical needs throughout Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The company is guided by the trust placed in it by healthcare professionals and patients, remaining steadfast in its commitment to providing transformative innovations, one patient at a time.