Norgine Boosts Drug Manufacturing in Wales with £23 Million Investment

Norgine's New Investment in Wales: A Significant Step Forward

Norgine, a leading European pharmaceutical company, recently announced a new investment of £23 million aimed at enhancing its pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities at the Hengoed facility in Wales. This investment is part of a larger commitment that surpasses £50 million since 2022, reflecting a strong dedication to innovation and production growth in the pharmaceutical sector.

The latest financial commitment is backed by the UK government’s Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund (LSIMF) which aims to bolster the life sciences sector in Wales. The funding will play a crucial role in expanding Norgine's operational capabilities, fortifying the company's ability to reliably supply essential medications across the UK and Europe during a time of increasing global supply chain volatility. With this investment, Norgine is set to create 44 new skilled jobs, enhancing its long-term production capacity within the region.

Jo Stevens, the Welsh Secretary of State, expressed optimism about the investment, referring to it as a vote of confidence in the Welsh workforce and the burgeoning life sciences sector in Wales. He stated, “I am thrilled that government funding is helping the company to continue its growth and create well-paid new jobs.”

Saulo Martiniano, Chief Operating Officer at Norgine, emphasized the company's belief in the potential of scientific advancements to reach patients in need. He stated, “Innovative manufacturing and supply approaches are pivotal to making that happen. By expanding and improving our Hengoed facilities, we are boosting our capacity, reinforcing our quality assurance skills, and investing in more energy-efficient production.” The Hengoed site is expected to enhance the resilience of both the UK and European health systems, providing increased capacity to meet future demands.

This latest £23 million investment in Hengoed is part of a broader, long-term commitment to the site. To date, Norgine has invested over £50 million to improve operations, from enhancing capacity to forming international manufacturing partnerships, including collaborations in Japan. Further investments are planned, aiming to create an additional 75 permanent jobs in areas like manufacturing, quality assurance, and warehousing in Wales.

Established manufacturing networks are designed to offer resilient supply and adjust according to demand, thereby supporting access across Europe and beyond. Norgine's production infrastructure is built on 60 years of expertise, featuring specialized systems engineering capabilities that facilitate the manufacture of medicines for gastrointestinal diseases, rare conditions, and specialized treatments—both from Norgine's own portfolio and through selected licensing partnerships.

Norgine is also committed to giving back to the community by investing in educational initiatives and skill development. This includes student internships with Cardiff University and learning pathways with local higher education institutions, helping to train the next generation of talent in manufacturing.

Employing over 600 skilled professionals, the Hengoed facility currently produces approximately 50 million packages of medicines and medical devices each year. Notably, the site is powered entirely by low-carbon electricity, underscoring Norgine's commitment to sustainable manufacturing as it continues to expand.

About Norgine

Norgine is a medium-sized European pharmaceutical company that employs around 1,500 people and generates annual revenues of approximately €650 million. The firm is dedicated to delivering innovative medicines that improve lives, addressing both common ailments like constipation and serious rare conditions such as pediatric cancer. Norgine targets unmet medical needs, ensuring that scientific breakthroughs reach the patients who need them.

Through its innovative development, marketing, and manufacturing capabilities combined with strategic partnerships, Norgine accelerates and broadens the impact of life-changing medicines across Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. With a commitment to trust from healthcare professionals and patients alike, Norgine is dedicated to delivering transformational innovations one patient at a time.