PLANS by United States-based biotech company Genzyme to expand its manufacturing site in Haverhill have been welcomed by UK Trade and Investment Minister Lord Digby Jones.

Duncan Brodie

PLANS by United States-based biotech company Genzyme to expand its manufacturing site in Haverhill have been welcomed by UK Trade and Investment Minister Lord Digby Jones.

Genzyme has been manufacturing in Haverhill for 25 years and for the past eight years this has included production of the bulk polymer product for its kidney disease drug.

This facility is now being expanded and, when in full production later this year, Genzyme expects the Haverhill plant to become largest synthesis plant for a patented drug anywhere in the world.

Genzyme employs a total of about 600 people in the UK, where it also has a second manufacturing site in Kent, research and development laboratories in Cambridge, and a commercial office in Oxford, supporting the provision of medicines for patients with rare inherited diseases, kidney disease, cancer and other conditions.

Lord Jones heard about the group's UK plans during a visit to Genzyme's global headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, during a UK Trade & Investment trade mission.

Lord Jones said: “It is fantastic news that one of the world's leading biotech companies has decided to further invest in its manufacturing operations in the UK.

“I welcome Genzyme's choice to build on the success and innovation of the UK's capability for its latest expansion. Forty five per cent of new biotechnology drugs in late-stage clinical trials in Europe are from the UK. The UK is one of the world's most attractive locations for international pharmaceutical and biotechnology operations and I am committed to make this sector go from strength to strength.”

Genzyme chairman and chief executive Henri Termeer said: “I am delighted to host Lord Jones and share with him the story of Genzyme's growth and progress in the UK. We established our roots in the UK very early in our development, and over the years we have significantly expanded our investment in the country.”

He added: “We are proud to share with Lord Jones our plans for expanding the Haverhill facility, which is playing a critical role in our global manufacturing infrastructure and helping to support the long term growth of our company.”