By Owen Hughes
Copyright dailypost
Around 150 research and development (R+D) jobs are to transfer from North Wales to Manchester. Medical products and technology firm Convatec said it has earmarked £500 million of investment in the UK.
This will see it open a new “flagship” Manchester hub in 2027. But it will have a negative impact on North Wales with R+D jobs to relocate from Deeside to the new hub.
Convatec said around 200 staff would be employed at the new site, who will largely transfer from the firm’s existing site in Deeside. But the firm said there were “plans for further growth in the years ahead”.
It said the Deeside R&D site had “served as a major centre for R&D” since opening in 1996, but that Manchester was now seen as the “ideal location” for the expanded facility, “given its vibrant life sciences ecosystem, which includes leading universities, hospitals, and research institutions”. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
There are no redundancies planned as part of this announcement with the view that all relevant employees will have opportunity to transfer. The move will be phased and not operational until 2027.
The group confirmed its manufacturing operation in Deeside would remain a “cornerstone of its global operations” and is unaffected by the changes, with around 400 workers continuing to be employed at the site following the opening of the new R&D centre. Some R&D will remain in Deeside where close connection to manufacturing capability is helpful.
It comes as a welcome boost for Britain’s life sciences sector amid a shift to the US to offset US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs.
Jonny Mason, interim chief executive at Convatec, said: “Our plans to invest more than one billion dollars – anchored by major expansion plans in both the United States and the United Kingdom – demonstrates our unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare innovation for people living with chronic conditions around the world.”
UK Science and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “This landmark investment is proof of how, when the UK and US work closely together to unlock the latest medical breakthroughs, both our countries stand to benefit hugely.
“This is a deal that will create jobs, unlock growth, and improve life for patients from Manchester to Massachusetts – and comes hot on the heels of billions of pounds worth of investments into the UK from top US firms in life sciences and beyond.”
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