One of the world’s largest healthcare manufacturers has revealed plans for a substantial investment in Wokingham Borough.
Lonza has said is developing plans to relocate and expand its Center of Excellence for biologic molecule over the next decade, with the support of funding from the UK Government.
Lonza has already purchased a plot in Thames Valley Park with a view to relocating and expanding its largest biologics site in the UK – currently situated in Slough – over the next decade.
The proposed development would unlock growth for Lonza’s biologics division, while supporting the development and manufacture of complex biopharmaceuticals in the UK.
Stefan Egli, head of mammalian business unit, biologics at Lonza, said: “We are grateful to the UK Government for its support as we seek to relocate and expand our UK footprint and capability.
“Our Biologics site in Slough and its highly-skilled workforce – now comprising more than 1,000 people – has been an integral part of our global business for more than 25 years.
“During this time, the site has supported both large pharma and small biotech customers in bringing innovative therapies to life for their patients.
“We are pleased to have secured a desirable plot in Thames Valley Park with the opportunity to grow and strengthen Lonza’s operations in the UK, which is a strategically important market for our business.”
Science minister, Lord Patrick Vallance, said: “Lonza has exciting ambitions, which will help support our plans to transform our nation’s healthcare and build an NHS fit for the future, by working with the life sciences sector.
“Through partnerships like this, we are making the UK the best place in the world to develop and manufacture new, advanced medicines.”
Clive Jones, MP for Wokingham, added: “Lonza’s proposed development at Thames Valley Park is excellent news for my constituency and constituents, the Thames Valley and the UK’s health and life sciences sector.
“It is the culmination of a lot of work involving many, notably Lonza, Wokingham Borough Council, the Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, and key government departments including the Department for Business and Trade.
“I have had the opportunity to meet senior Lonza representatives to understand the scale of their plans and ambitions for the new site.
“I look forward to supporting these exciting plans, which set out a clear and strong ambition for Lonza’s plans in Wokingham and the UK.”
Cllr Mark Ashwell, Wokingham Borough Council’s executive member for economic development, sport, leisure and the arts, said: ““We are really pleased to welcome Lonza to Wokingham Borough, as it develops plans for its new site on Thames Valley Park.
“Lonza will be joining a major cluster of health and life sciences companies in the borough, and this cluster is well-aligned with the UK’s position as a science and technology superpower.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Lonza as it moves forward.”
